California Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help strengthen teeth and prevent dental health problems. Water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies to reduce tooth decay. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first U.S. city to fluoridate its public water supply in 1945. Many other cities have since followed suit.

After using dental products with fluoride, fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by another 25% among children and adults.¹ It's recommended to have 0.7 mg of fluoride per liter of drinking water.⁷

California Fluoride Statistics Overview

Here are some key statistics about water fluoridation in California:^2,3

• California's most recent percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water in 2018 was 59.3%
• The percentage of Californians with access to fluoridated water increased by 0.7% between 2008 and 2018.
• California ranks #36 (out of 50) in the U.S., with the population having access to Fluoridated water
• California's rank for access to fluoridated water has remained relatively steady from 2012 to 2018, with only a slight decrease in rank.
• 38,106,418 people in California were served by CWS in 2018

Graphs

Percentage of California Population with Access to Fluoridated Water Over Time (higher is better)

The graph shows the percentage of California's population with access to fluoridated water from 2008 to 2018. It shows a slight decrease in access to fluoridated water over the 10 year period.

California's Flouridated Water Access Rank in the United States Over Time (lower is better)

California's ranking has remained relatively consistent over time, hovering around the mid-30s.

Why access to Fluoride water matters

Water fluoridation is a cost-effective and efficient way to help reduce cavities. Drinking water with fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. Good fluoride levels in water might even reverse early signs of tooth decay.

According to the CDC:⁴

• For children younger than age 8, fluoride helps strengthen the adult (permanent) teeth that are developing under the gums
• For adults, drinking water with fluoride supports tooth enamel, keeping teeth strong and healthy

Water fluoridation is especially important for low-income families, who often don't have access to routine dental care. It helps ensure preventive dental care is available.

Growth Of Flouride Water overtime

In 2018, 207,426,536 people in the U.S. received fluoridated water. This is a 60.1% increase from 1951.⁶

The past years have shown steady growth in the number of people with access to fluoridated water. Based on this information, we can infer the trend will continue. 

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is targeting that 77.1% of the population should have access to fluoridated water. According to their website's latest information, they're about to reach this target.⁸

Other Sources of Fluoride

Aside from water, fluoride can be found in other sources, including: 

• Most toothpaste 
• Most mouthwash
• Food and drinks processed with fluoridated water
• Dietary prescription supplements with fluoride