Montana Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Montana’s water fluoridation statistics have shown notable shifts over the past two decades. Rates of fluoridation vary substantially by region, creating a patchwork of coverage across the state and contributing to differences in oral health outcomes. This article focuses on presenting comprehensive data and trends surrounding water fluoridation in Montana.

To set the stage, this overview highlights how coverage has changed, which communities rely on natural fluoride, and how Montana’s fluoridation rates compare to nearby states. By focusing on clear data points and tables, this article provides an accessible statistical resource on this public health topic.

Key Noteworthy Statistics

• 30.7% of Montana residents receive fluoridated water through community systems as of the most recent statewide data.
• 22.2% was the baseline coverage in the early 2000s, indicating gradual but limited progress.
• 2.7 mg/L is the highest measured natural fluoride level in some rural districts.
• $4.1 million in federal grants have been awarded since 2022 to support Montana’s fluoridation infrastructure.

This initial snapshot underscores how Montana’s fluoridation rates sit well below the national average. Below, we explore the data in more depth and compare Montana’s status to its neighbors in the Northern Rockies.

Montana Water Fluoridation Coverage Over Time

Monitoring trends over multiple years helps clarify the gradual shifts and current standing of fluoridation across Montana’s public water systems.

• Only 22.2% of Montanans were served by fluoridated community systems in the early 2000s.
• By 2006, coverage reached 31.3%, a modest increase but still below the national average at the time.
• The highest recorded coverage, 33.7%, was observed in 2018; it later dropped to 30.7% due to system consolidations and opt-outs.
• 72 active fluoridating systems currently serve an estimated 398,000 residents, with varying fluoride sources and levels.

These percentages reveal a pattern of gradual gains followed by slight declines. The table below provides selected data points, illustrating Montana’s coverage changes.

The data demonstrate that Montana’s rates remain among the lowest in the nation, underscoring both the challenges and the potential for improvement.

Comparative Fluoridation Rates in the Northern Rockies

Neighboring states in the Northern Rockies provide valuable context for understanding Montana’s standing in a regional landscape.

• 96.5% coverage in North Dakota ranks among the highest in the U.S.
• 84.1% coverage in South Dakota highlights a broad contrast with Montana’s figures.
• 58.9% coverage in Wyoming stands in the mid-tier for the region.
• 31.0% coverage in Idaho aligns closely with Montana’s 30.7%.

These comparisons place Montana second from the bottom in the Northern Rockies region. The table below outlines these relative positions more fully.

This distribution underscores the wide gap between states such as North Dakota and Montana, with implications for oral health outcomes seen in each region.

Health Impacts and Oral Health Indicators

In addition to community coverage rates, dental caries prevalence and related dental health measures shed further light on the impact of limited fluoridation in Montana.

• 62% of Montana third-graders experience dental caries, compared to a 51.5% national average.
• 84% caries prevalence in rural Native communities indicates significant oral health disparities.
• 22.4% of Montana children show very mild dental fluorosis, while 3.1% exhibit moderate/severe forms.
• No confirmed skeletal fluorosis cases have been documented statewide.

These findings suggest that low fluoridation rates can correspond with higher caries incidence. Below is a simplified comparison of third-grade dental caries prevalence in selected areas.

This table underscores the need to examine fluoride levels alongside broader oral health efforts, particularly in underserved or geographically isolated areas.

Additional Economic and Infrastructure Data

Financial and infrastructure components play a key role in shaping Montana’s overall fluoridation coverage and maintenance.

• $12.7 million was spent by Montana’s Medicaid program on pediatric dental restorations in 2023, which is significantly higher on a per capita basis than in neighboring states with broader coverage.
• $42 million in annual preventable dental costs are linked to inadequate fluoridation rates statewide.
• 63% of non-fluoridating systems cite mountainous terrain and supply distribution issues as barriers.
• 28% of non-fluoridating systems in Montana must adjust fluoride dosing based on seasonal water source changes.
• 15 rural systems use mobile or temporary fluoridation units during peak demand periods.

These data points underscore the resource-intensive nature of maintaining consistent fluoride levels across Montana’s diverse terrain. The table below captures select economic factors related to water fluoridation in the state.

Montana’s terrain and changing water sources create added complexities in implementing stable fluoridation, which partially explains the below-average rates seen above.

Key Statistics Summary

• Montana’s community water fluoridation coverage hovers around 30.7%, one of the lowest nationally
• Third-grade dental caries rates reach 62% statewide, surpassing the 51.5% national average
• North Dakota’s 96.5% fluoridation coverage contrasts sharply with Montana’s levels
• $42 million in preventable dental costs arise annually from low fluoridation rates
• High natural fluoride of 2.7 mg/L appears in some rural districts, but many areas measure levels far below 0.7 mg/L

Overall, these figures demonstrate an ongoing challenge in securing widespread water fluoridation for Montana’s residents. Geographical barriers, low implementation rates, and significant oral health disparities highlight the importance of consistent data monitoring and targeted community approaches to address coverage gaps.