Updated on March 15, 2024
2 min read

Connecticut Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

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Water fluoridation has been a crucial public health measure in Connecticut for decades, helping to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health across the state. With one of the highest rates of fluoridated water access in the United States, Connecticut has shown a strong commitment to this important initiative. Let’s dive into some key statistics that highlight the state’s achievements in water fluoridation.

Here are a few eye-opening facts about fluoride levels in Connecticut’s water supply:

  • As of 2020, 89.5% of Connecticut’s population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water, maintaining the state’s position among the top performers in the nation.
  • Connecticut’s fluoridation rate is significantly higher than the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
  • The state has maintained a high level of fluoridation over the years, with only a slight increase from 88.9% in 2006 to 89.5% in 2018.

Strong Legislation and Public Health Support

Connecticut’s success in water fluoridation can be attributed to its strong legislation and public health support.

  • State law mandates fluoridation for public water systems serving 20,000 or more people, where the natural fluoride concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L.
  • These systems must adjust fluoride levels to maintain a concentration between 0.8 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L.
  • The legislation, enacted in 1965, has been instrumental in achieving high fluoridation rates across the state.

Economic and Public Health Benefits

Water fluoridation not only improves oral health but also offers significant economic benefits.

  • National studies suggest that for every dollar spent on water fluoridation, communities can save anywhere from $1.10 to $135 in dental treatment costs.
  • Recognized as a major public health achievement, water fluoridation has contributed to the reduction of tooth decay and improved oral health across communities in Connecticut.

National Fluoridation Statistics

While Connecticut excels in water fluoridation, it’s essential to consider the national context as well.

  • In 2018, 73.0% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated drinking water.
  • The Healthy People 2030 objective aims for 77.1% of people served by community water systems to receive water with the optimum level of fluoride.
  • About 3 out of 4 Americans receive fluoridated public drinking water.

Connecticut’s high rate of water fluoridation underscores the state’s successful implementation and maintenance of fluoridation programs. By prioritizing this critical public health measure, Connecticut continues to demonstrate its commitment to preventing dental diseases and promoting better oral health for its residents. As the state maintains its position among the nation’s leaders in water fluoridation, it sets an example for others to follow in the pursuit of improved public health.

Last updated on March 15, 2024
5 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 15, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. 2020 Fluoridation Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
  2. Water Fluoridation Fact Sheet. Connecticut Department of Public Health, n.d.
  3. Water Fluoridation in Connecticut. Connecticut Department of Public Health, n.d.
  4. The Economic Value of Water Fluoridation: A Systematic Review. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 2019.
  5. 2018 Water Fluoridation Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018.
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