Public Water Fluoridation

Fluoridation of community water systems is the single most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay. Water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride that occurs naturally in water to optimal level to protect oral health throughout the lifespan. Recent studies show that water fluoridation is effective in reducing dental decay by 20% to 40%. For most cities, every dollar invested in public water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, less than 50% of Mississippi's population on public water systems receives fluoridated water, ranking 41st of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Mississippi, 69%, or about seven in 10 third-grade children in public schools, have experienced tooth decay, and 10% of children have an urgent need for dental care. Mississippi ranks second of 50 states for persons aged 65 years or older who have lost some or all of their natural teeth.

In an effort to reduce and prevent tooth decay in Mississippians, The Bower Foundation has funded the Mississippi Public Water Fluoridation Program in collaboration with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) since 2004. The Foundation provides for a Water Fluoridation Coordinator at the MSDH, fluoridation equipment, and the first year of fluoride for the new systems.

The MSDH has leveraged the Foundation funds to receive additional program funding through the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. These block grant funds have provided match funding for the new water fluoridation system costs.

Since 2004, 75 water systems have implemented water fluoridation to the benefit of 337,282 citizens. In fact, from 2003 to 2011, the percentage of Mississippians on public fluoridated water systems increased from 42% to 56%.