Louisiana Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. However, access to fluoridated water varies significantly across the United States. In Louisiana, the percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water is lower than the national average, despite efforts to expand coverage.

According to the most recent data, only 39.0% of Louisiana’s population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water in 2018. This figure is significantly below the national average of 72.7% in 2020. Louisiana ranks 46th among the states for the percentage of its population receiving fluoridated water.

• In 2018, only 39.0% of Louisiana’s population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water.
• Louisiana ranks 46th among the states for the percentage of its population receiving fluoridated water.
• For every dollar spent on community water fluoridation, up to $27 is saved in treatment costs for tooth decay.

Decrease in Access to Fluoridated Water Over Time

Louisiana has seen a significant decrease in the percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water over the years.

• The percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water in Louisiana has decreased from 55.7% in 1992 to 39.0% in 2018.
• This trend indicates a reduction in fluoridation coverage over the years, despite the proven benefits of fluoridated water in preventing tooth decay.

Legislation and Public Health Support

Louisiana has legislation in place to promote water fluoridation, but implementation has been inconsistent due to limited state funding.

• The Louisiana Community Water Fluoridation Act of 2012 mandates that all water systems with more than 5,000 connections add fluoride, but this is conditional on state funding.
• Limited state funding has resulted in inconsistent implementation of fluoridation across the state.

Public Health Impact and Economic Benefits

Expanding access to fluoridated water is particularly important in Louisiana, where many residents do not have regular access to dental care.

• Many Louisiana residents do not have access to regular dental care, which heightens the importance of expanding community water fluoridation as a preventive measure.
• For every dollar spent on community water fluoridation, up to $27 is saved in treatment costs for tooth decay.

National Water Fluoridation Statistics

While Louisiana lags behind in fluoridation coverage, the majority of the U.S. population has access to fluoridated water.

• Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020.
• In 2018, 63.4% of the total U.S. population and 73.0% of the population on community water systems received fluoridated drinking water.

Louisiana faces significant challenges in ensuring access to fluoridated water for its residents. Despite legislation mandating fluoridation for larger water systems, limited state funding has hindered consistent implementation. Expanding community water fluoridation is crucial for improving oral health and reducing the burden of tooth decay, especially for those who lack regular access to dental care. By investing in this proven public health measure, Louisiana can take an important step towards improving the well-being of its citizens and reducing healthcare costs associated with preventable dental problems.