Updated on May 30, 2024
2 min read

Georgia Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

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Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that has been implemented across the United States to improve oral health and prevent tooth decay. Georgia, in particular, has made significant strides in ensuring access to fluoridated water for its residents. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of water fluoridation in Georgia and its impact on public health.

Georgia has consistently maintained a high percentage of its population with access to fluoridated water, surpassing the national average. This achievement is a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting oral health and preventing dental issues among its residents.

  • In 2020, 95.2% of Georgia’s population served by community water systems (CWS) had access to fluoridated water, significantly higher than the national average of 72.7%.
  • Georgia has seen a steady increase in fluoridation coverage over the years, rising from 92.1% in 1992 to 95.2% in 2018.
  • Georgia has over 340 public community water systems that provide fluoridation to approximately 8.9 million residents.
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Legislative Support for Water Fluoridation

Georgia’s high fluoridation rates can be attributed to the state’s legislative support for this public health measure.

  • Georgia mandates fluoridation for all municipalities but not rural water districts.
  • The state provides funds for fluoridation equipment, but not chemicals, for three years from the date of passage of the law.

Optimal Fluoride Levels and Public Health Impact

To maximize the benefits of water fluoridation while minimizing potential risks, Georgia has set optimal fluoride concentration levels for its water systems.

  • The optimal concentration of fluoride in water available to Georgia consumers is set at 0.85 ppm (parts per million), with a lower limit of 0.7 ppm and an upper limit of 1.0 ppm.
  • Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
  • Fluoridating a community’s water is the single most effective and efficient means of preventing tooth decay in children and adults regardless of age, race, or income.

National Water Fluoridation Statistics

While Georgia’s fluoridation rates are impressive, it’s essential to also consider the national context.

  • In 2018, 63.4% of the total US population and 73.0% of the 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.

Georgia’s commitment to water fluoridation has positioned the state as a leader in oral health promotion. By maintaining high fluoridation rates and adhering to optimal fluoride levels, Georgia continues to prioritize the well-being of its residents and serve as an example for other states to follow. As the evidence supporting the benefits of water fluoridation remains strong, it is crucial for Georgia to sustain its efforts and ensure that all residents have access to this vital public health measure.

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Last updated on May 30, 2024
4 Sources Cited
Last updated on May 30, 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 Water Fluoridation Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
  2. Georgia Oral Health Burden Report.” Georgia Department of Public Health, 2016.
  3. Mandatory Fluoridation in the U.S..” Fluoride Action Network, 2023.
  4. 2018 Water Fluoridation Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018.
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