Updated on March 15, 2024
2 min read

Missouri Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

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Fluoride is a common additive in public water supplies across the United States, and Missouri is no exception. Water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for reducing tooth decay and improving oral health. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of water fluoridation in Missouri and how it compares to national trends.

Missouri has made significant strides in providing access to fluoridated water for its residents. As of 2018, 75.6% of the state’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water, which is above the national average of 72.7% in 2020. This means that a large majority of Missourians are benefiting from the protective effects of fluoride against tooth decay.

  • In 2018, 75.6% of Missouri’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water.
  • People drinking fluoridated water have 20 to 40 percent less tooth decay.
  • Approximately 100 communities in Missouri are currently supplementing the natural fluoride level in the water system to achieve optimal fluoridation.

Increasing Access to Fluoridated Water

Missouri has seen an increase in the percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water over time.

  • The percentage has risen from 76% in 2024 to approximately 4 million people, indicating a positive trend in fluoridation coverage.

Legislation and Public Health Support

Missouri has legislation in place to support water fluoridation efforts.

  • Missouri Revised Statute 640.136, signed in June 2016, requires any public water system or district to notify the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and its customers of its intentions to make changes to fluoridation of its water supply.

This statute helps ensure that changes to fluoridation levels are properly communicated and monitored.

Comparison to National Averages

Missouri’s fluoridation coverage is impressive when compared to national figures.

  • Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020.
  • Missouri’s 2018 figure of 75.6% is above this national average, demonstrating the state’s strong commitment to fluoridation.

Public Health Impact

The impact of water fluoridation on oral health cannot be overstated.

  • People drinking fluoridated water have 20 to 40 percent less tooth decay.

This significant reduction in tooth decay highlights the importance of community water fluoridation as a public health measure.

Missouri’s commitment to water fluoridation has resulted in a higher percentage of its population having access to fluoridated water compared to the national average. The state’s legislation and public health efforts have contributed to this success. As more communities in Missouri continue to optimize their fluoride levels, even more residents will benefit from improved oral health and reduced risk of tooth decay.

Last updated on March 15, 2024
3 Sources Cited
Last updated on March 15, 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 in Missouri. Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
  2. 2020 Water Fluoridation Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
  3. Missouri’s Fluoridation Plan 2024. Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
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