Updated on May 30, 2024
2 min read

Indiana Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

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Water fluoridation has been a crucial public health measure in the United States for decades, and Indiana is no exception. With a strong commitment to promoting oral health, the state has implemented extensive water fluoridation programs that reach a significant portion of its population. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of water fluoridation in Indiana and its impact on the health of Hoosiers.

Indiana boasts an impressive 92.4% of its population having access to fluoridated water through community water systems, which is well above the national average of 73.0%. This widespread access to fluoridated water has been made possible by the state’s proactive approach and supportive policies aimed at improving oral health.

  • In 2018, Indiana had a fluoridation percentage of 92.4% of the population served by community water systems (CWS).
  • Indiana’s fluoridation program reaches 4,300,591 people served by 482 water systems, which is 96% of those individuals served by city water lines or residing in areas with community water systems.
  • The CDC considers water fluoridation to be one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. In Indiana, over 4.3 million Hoosiers receive optimally fluoridated drinking water.

High Level of Access Maintained Over Time

Indiana has maintained a high level of access to fluoridated water over the years.

  • The state started its fluoridation program in 1951, and by 2020, the percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water was reported to be 92.4%, indicating a stable and high coverage.
  • All cities and towns in Indiana with a population of 5,000 or more are fluoridated, except for one small town in southern Indiana.
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Public Health Impact

The extensive reach of Indiana’s fluoridation program has significant public health implications.

  • Optimally fluoridated drinking water is known to reduce tooth decay in children by 40-70% and tooth loss in adults by 40-60%.
  • 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, which Indiana surpasses by a considerable margin.

National Water Fluoridation Statistics

While Indiana excels in water fluoridation, it’s important to understand the national context as well.

  • In 2018, 63.4% of the total US population and 73.0% of the population on community water systems received fluoridated drinking water.
  • There were 52,211 community water systems in the United States in 2018, with 17,917 providing fluoridated water and 5,753 adjusting fluoride levels.
  • The CDC has identified community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Indiana’s dedication to water fluoridation has positioned the state as a leader in oral health promotion. With a high percentage of its population benefiting from optimally fluoridated water, Indiana continues to prioritize the well-being of its residents. As the state maintains its commitment to this critical public health measure, Hoosiers can look forward to a future with improved oral health outcomes and a better quality of life.

Last updated on May 30, 2024
3 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. Water Fluoridation Data & Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018.
  2. Indiana Fluoridation Information. Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, 2021.
  3. Water Fluoridation Program. Indiana Department of Health, 2021.
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