Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
“Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health." Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, Former U.S. Surgeon General (2014 – 2017)
The Texas Fluoridation
Program (TFP) works to improve the health of Texans by preventing tooth decay
through community water fluoridation. TFP assists public water systems in the
engineering design, installation, and maintenance of water fluoridation systems;
monitors the adjusted fluoride level in the drinking water; and maintains the US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fluoridation database for the
State of Texas.
Community water fluoridation is safe and the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay. On average, it costs only $0.50 per person to fluoridate water for a year. For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation yields $38 savings in dental treatment costs (Fluoridation Facts American Dental Association (ADA). Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical, and dental organizations.
To know your water system’s fluoridation status go to the CDC My Water’s Fluoride webpage: https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx.
Educational Links on Fluoridation:
CDC Website on
Community Water Fluoridation
ADA Fluoridation Information
Campaign for Dental Health
Fluoride for Texas
American
Fluoridation Society
TCEQ Texas Drinking Water Watch
Publications on Fluoridation:
CDC Report on
Fluoridation of Drinking Water to Prevent Dental Carries
CDC Report on Top
10 Public Health Achievements – United States 1900-1999
Water Fluoridation Costs in Texas, Texas Health Steps, May 2000
Free
Fluoridation Posters
Fluoridation Training:
Texas Fluoridation Program (TFP) offers a FREE one-day training course on “Fluoridation Procedures for Water Operators” (TCEQ course code 214). The class is taught by the Texas Department of State Health Services Fluoridation Program staff with 8 hours of continuing education credited towards a Texas water operator’s license.
After attending this class, the participant will learn:
- Health benefits of water fluoridation
- Operation and maintenance of fluoride equipment
- How to safely work with fluoridation chemical and equipment
- How to maintain optimal fluoride levels in the drinking water
The class is offered
throughout the state. If you are
interested in hosting or attending a class, please contact TFP by phone at
512-776-7349 or by email at fluoride@dshs.texas.gov.
Training Manual on Fluoridation
Procedures
Technical
Assistance on Fluoridation:
CDC Engineering and Administrative Recommendations
Equipment Specification for
Fluorosilicic Acid Systems
General Specifications for
Bulk Tank Storage
How to Neutralize Acid Leaks and Spills
Downloadable Fluoride Calculation Form
Types
of Fluoride Systems:
Typical Liquid Feed System,
Bulk Storage, Peristaltic Pump Transfer
Typical Liquid Feed System,
Bulk Storage Drum Pump Transfer
Typical Liquid Feed System,
Small Bulk Storage
Typical Liquid Feed System,
Carboy Storage
Texas Department of State Health Services
Environmental Epidemiology & Disease Registries Section
Texas Fluoridation Program
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: 1-512-776-7349
Toll Free: 1-800-588-1248 Fax: 1-512-776-7239
fluoride@dshs.texas.gov