In this article
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:
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.
This section examines Kansas’s fluoridation coverage percentages over two decades, focusing on years when significant data updates were recorded.
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.
Year | % Coverage | National Rank |
---|---|---|
2006 | 65.0% | 32 |
2010 | 63.5% | 35 |
2018 | 65.1% | Not Available |
2022 | 65.1% | 40 |
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.
Examining how Kansas measures against neighboring states provides a clearer sense of broader regional dynamics in water fluoridation.
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:
State | % Population with Fluoridated Water | National Rank |
---|---|---|
Missouri | 79.7% | 26th |
Colorado | 73.6% | 27th |
Nebraska | 73.5% | 28th |
Oklahoma | 69.8% | 36th |
Kansas | 65.1% | 40th |
Although Kansas faces unique local governance structures around water treatment, these statistics highlight the disparities that exist when comparing fluoridation accessibility across the region.
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.
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.
Indicator | Kansas Value | Additional Note |
---|---|---|
Untreated Cavities (K–12) | 25% | Recorded in 2009–2010 |
Avg. Cavity Reduction | 25–35% | Linked to fluoridation |
Fluorosis Threshold | 1.5 mg/L | Mild cases at or above this |
Cancer Risk | No noted correlation | Based on 1999 statewide analysis |
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.
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.
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.
Category | Estimated Cost/Savings |
---|---|
Annual Cost of Fluoridation Per Person (KS) | $0.50 |
Annual Cost of Fluoride Toothpaste Per Person | $10–$73 |
ROI in Dental Savings per $1 Spent | $38 Saved |
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.
Access to reliable statistics about local utilities helps clarify the actual scope of fluoridation across Kansas.
Differences in local decision-making and infrastructure are reflected in these metrics, underscoring how coverage can vary between small towns and major urban centers.
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.
In this article