Kansas Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation in Kansas has been a longstanding public health discussion, accompanied by a complex set of statistics spanning two decades. Understanding how these numbers compare over time and across neighboring states can offer valuable insights into the current state of Kansas’s fluoridation coverage and its impact on dental health outcomes.

By examining year-to-year changes, regional comparisons, and health-related figures, this article collates vital data points to present a clear snapshot of Kansas’s water fluoridation progress. The focus here is on historical coverage percentages, cost analysis, and population-specific statistics that shape the conversation about fluoridation’s measurable effects.

Below are a few key statistics providing an overview of the most notable data on water fluoridation in Kansas:

• 65% coverage of Kansans served by public water systems with fluoridation as of 2022
• 60 public water systems in Kansas fluoridated their supplies according to 2020 data
• 25% of K–12 students screened in 2009–2010 had untreated cavities
• Neighboring Missouri reports a notably higher coverage rate at 79.7%

These figures highlight both the state’s fluoridation status and how it compares to its regional peers. The sections below provide additional context through historical trends, comparisons, and health metrics.

Historical Coverage Trends

This section examines Kansas’s fluoridation coverage percentages over two decades, focusing on years when significant data updates were recorded.

• In 2004–2006, coverage hovered at roughly 65%, placing Kansas around 32nd in national rankings
• By 2010, the percentage dipped slightly to 63.5%, pushing Kansas to about 35th nationally
• In 2018, the state reported a 65.1% coverage rate, still below the national average
• As of 2022, Kansas remained near 65% coverage, reflecting limited growth across the period

While these numbers show fluctuations over time, they reinforce a relatively static trend. The table below summarizes selected years of fluoridation coverage and ranking changes in Kansas.

The persistent coverage rate underscores that, even with minor fluctuations, progress toward increasing fluoridation statewide has been slow. Several localities have maintained or halted practices based on community decisions, contributing to these patterns.

Regional Comparisons

Examining how Kansas measures against neighboring states provides a clearer sense of broader regional dynamics in water fluoridation.

• Missouri reports 79.7% coverage, surpassing Kansas by over 14 percentage points
• Colorado stands at 73.6%, also exceeding Kansas’s coverage levels
• Nebraska posts 73.5%, higher than Kansas, partly attributed to local mandates
• Oklahoma shows 69.8%, which is still above Kansas’s approximate 65.1%

These differences highlight the effect of varied municipal regulations and community approaches. The following table lists the most recently published regional data for five Midwest states:

Although Kansas faces unique local governance structures around water treatment, these statistics highlight the disparities that exist when comparing fluoridation accessibility across the region.

Dental Health Indicators

Fluoridation is widely recognized for its benefits in preventing tooth decay and reducing oral health disparities. Kansas-specific statistics illustrate some of the observable health outcomes related to community water fluoridation coverage.

• A statewide screening found 25% of K–12 students with untreated cavities in 2009–2010
• Fluoridation can reduce childhood cavities by 25–35% on average
• Mild fluorosis tends to appear when levels exceed 1.5 mg/L, but severe cases remain rare
• A 1999 assessment of 78 Kansas communities found no correlation between fluoride and cancer mortality

These data points reflect the broader national context of fluoridation’s observed benefits and safety record. Below is a table illustrating a brief look at children’s dental health indicators and relevant fluoride-related metrics.

These figures underscore the significance of measuring health outcomes alongside fluoridation rates, giving a data-driven view of how water fluoridation intersects with public health concerns.

Economic Factors and Cost Data

Beyond health outcomes, the financial aspects associated with fluoridation can be influential in both policy decisions and community acceptance. Kansas’s data reflect the broader cost-savings recognized in fluoridated regions nationwide.

• The average yearly cost of fluoridation in Kansas stands at about $0.50 per person
• In contrast, purchasing fluoride toothpaste can run between $10 and $73 per person annually
• Every $1 invested in community water fluoridation can yield $38 in potential dental treatment savings
• Neighboring states with higher coverage have documented notable cost benefits when offsetting dental procedures

Although varying maintenance and infrastructure upgrades can affect exact expenses, these broad estimates reflect consistent trends of cost-effectiveness. The table below presents select comparative numbers related to fluoridation expenditures and savings.

Economic and health statistics together shape the conversation around fluoridation in Kansas. The consistent message in the data is that localities with established fluoridation often see measurable long-term benefits.

Local Water Systems and Coverage Details

Access to reliable statistics about local utilities helps clarify the actual scope of fluoridation across Kansas.

• In 2020, 60 public water systems were documented as actively fluoridating
• Several systems were found operating below the recommended 0.7 mg/L threshold
• Municipalities with populations exceeding 10,000 accounted for a large proportion of the fluoridated coverage
• Some cities have reversed or reinstated fluoridation, contributing to fluctuating overall rates statewide

Differences in local decision-making and infrastructure are reflected in these metrics, underscoring how coverage can vary between small towns and major urban centers.

Key Statistics Summary

• Kansas has remained near 65% water fluoridation coverage from 2004 to 2022
• 25% of school-age children were reported with untreated cavities in late 2000s data
• $0.50 per person annually is the estimated fluoridation cost in Kansas
• 60 public water systems actively fluoridate across the state
• Neighboring Missouri leads regional coverage with 79.7%

Overall, the data indicate that while Kansas maintains a substantial base of fluoridated communities, its growth in coverage has remained comparatively low. Persistent rates around 65% indicate many local systems remain non-fluoridated or fluctuate under recommended levels. These trends provide important numerical context for ongoing public discussions and considerations around water fluoridation’s costs, health outcomes, and statewide reach.