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Hawaii has long stood out in national comparisons of water fluoridation, with some of the lowest fluoridation rates in the United States. This article compiles key data points and trends from the past two decades to provide a clear statistical overview of how limited fluoridation continues to impact oral health statewide.
While most U.S. states maintain higher coverage rates, Hawaii’s unique geographical and political landscape has contributed to consistently low levels of community water fluoridation. Below, we examine core statistics regarding coverage, tooth decay prevalence, costs, and regional comparisons, presenting the data in a concise format for ease of reference.
Here are a few immediate figures that illuminate Hawaii’s fluoridation status and oral health challenges:
These numbers provide only a glimpse. Further sections break down additional data on fluoride coverage, oral health impacts, and comparative state statistics, offering a broad foundation for understanding this issue.
Data on fluoridation coverage in Hawaii highlight a longstanding pattern of minimal adoption across community water systems.
Coverage data underscores how Hawaii’s overall fluoridation rates lag well behind other states. The table below illustrates Hawaii’s coverage trends over selected years, reflecting minimal movement despite national norms.
Year | % Population Served by Fluoridated CWS in Hawaii |
---|---|
2015 | 8.5% |
2020 | 8.5% |
2025 | 8.5% |
Although external factors like geology and a decentralized water system pose challenges, the consistency of these figures is notable when viewed alongside rising oral health costs.
Hawaii’s low fluoridation rates coincide with pronounced issues in oral health among both children and adults.
Tooth decay disparities extend across multiple demographics in the islands. Studies estimate a potential 25% reduction in childhood caries if fluoride were widely adopted, confirming a pattern observed nationwide.
Population Group | Decay/Tooth Loss Statistic |
---|---|
Third Graders | 70.6% have tooth decay |
Head Start Children (Ages 3–5) | 61% have untreated cavities |
Hawaiian Adults | 47% have lost at least one tooth |
This pattern of extensive decay and tooth loss significantly increases the social and financial burdens on communities, as shown in the next section on costs.
The financial toll of inadequate fluoridation can be observed in treatment costs, emergency room visits, and disparities in how preventive care is delivered.
High treatment expenses, combined with the need for intensive restorative care, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The following table highlights approximate cost disparities and usage patterns.
Cost Factor | Estimated Annual Expense |
---|---|
Medicaid Dental (Children) | $12 million |
ER Visits for Dental Issues (Rate Increase) | +22% since 2015 |
Topical Fluoride per Child | $55 |
CWF per Person | $0.50 |
This cost discrepancy and higher incidence of tooth decay illustrate why so many compare Hawaii’s outcomes to states with broader fluoridation coverage.
Data from Western states offers an important benchmark for Hawaii’s comparatively low coverage rates and higher rates of decay.
Hawaii’s 8.5% rate is markedly lower than all of these. The table below demonstrates how these coverage levels correlate with third-grade decay rates.
State | % Fluoridated CWS (2025) | Third-Grade Decay Rate |
---|---|---|
Hawaii | 8.5% | 70.6% |
California | 92.0% | 35% |
Oregon | 33.0% | 42% |
Nevada | 47.0% | 45% |
Washington | 63.0% | 32% |
While economic and demographic factors also play a role, the stark contrast in coverage and decay rates remains noteworthy in regional comparisons.
Below are several of the most critical data points from this article:
Across multiple age groups, Hawaii shows consistently higher tooth decay rates compared to more fully fluoridated states. Although other factors contribute to oral health outcomes, the data suggest fluoridation coverage remains a key metric affecting dental health trends statewide.
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