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Ohio’s public water fluoridation efforts have garnered considerable attention due to their impact on oral health outcomes and broad coverage across the state’s population. This article presents updated statistics on Ohio’s water fluoride coverage, highlighting key data from recent surveys, historical trends, and comparisons to neighboring states.
Fluoridation in Ohio has long been facilitated by legislation that mandates fluoride levels for public water systems serving over 5,000 residents. Across urban centers and rural counties alike, reported data show high fluoridation rates overall, with some notable regional and socioeconomic variations. The following sections break down the most current data surrounding coverage levels, public health metrics, and regional comparisons for a deeper look at how fluoridation shapes oral health within the state.
Below are several noteworthy figures that underscore the scope of water fluoridation in Ohio:
These core metrics highlight the role that fluoridation programs have played in sustaining high levels of oral health across the state. The sections below delve more deeply into specific trends and distribution data.
Statewide data illustrate the prominence of fluoridation in Ohio and its critical role in reducing dental disease.
These figures underscore Ohio’s historic and ongoing commitment to ensuring broad fluoridation coverage across urban and rural regions. The timeline below shows notable coverage milestones over the past two decades.
Year | % Coverage in Ohio |
---|---|
Pre-2010 | 80–85% |
2011 | 90% |
2020 | 92.7% |
Understanding how fluoridation evolved in Ohio provides insight into current coverage achievements.
Shifts in regulatory benchmarks have helped guide consistent operational practices. The following table provides a concise look at selected policy-related timelines and coverage requirements.
Policy/Regulation | Key Action |
---|---|
1969 State Law | Fluoridation required for systems >5,000 users |
2006 OAC Revision | Monitoring rules established 0.8–1.3 mg/L range |
2015 USPHS Alignment | Optimal fluoride level set at 0.7 mg/L |
Differences in fluoride access and oral health outcomes emerge when comparing various regions and populations within Ohio.
These statistics illustrate where targeted strategies and increased testing for well-water fluoride may help close coverage gaps. The table below shows regional reliance on private wells versus public systems in selected Ohio counties.
County Region | Estimated % Using Private Wells | Public System Coverage % |
---|---|---|
Vinton (Appalachian) | 58% | 42% |
Ross (Appalachian) | 41% | 59% |
Franklin (Urban) | 6% | 94% |
Hamilton (Urban) | 8% | 92% |
Multiple health indicators reveal that community water fluoridation has significant dental benefits for Ohio residents.
These findings indicate that while Ohio’s strong fluoridation program positively influences oral health, certain counties with lower coverage still show elevated risks for tooth decay and other issues. The following table highlights untreated decay rates among key groups.
Population Group | Untreated Decay Rate |
---|---|
Children on Medicaid | 2.6× higher than privately insured children |
Privately Insured Children | Lower than state average |
Appalachian Adults | 35% edentulism |
Statewide Average Adults | 18% edentulism |
Ohio’s fluoridation coverage stands out in the Midwest, though Kentucky’s rate remains the highest in the region.
This table presents a quick reference of each state’s percentage coverage, showing Ohio’s favorable standing regionally.
State | % Population Fluoridated (2020) |
---|---|
Ohio | 92.7% |
Kentucky | 99.9% |
Michigan | >90% |
Pennsylvania | 71.5–82.6% |
Indiana | 56.3–71.4% |
Despite Ohio’s high coverage, certain challenges persist in ensuring consistent fluoride levels across all public and private water sources.
The presence of both very high and very low fluoride levels across different counties underscores the complexity of universal coverage. Nonetheless, overall statistics consistently demonstrate the broad reach of Ohio’s fluoridation efforts.
From high urban coverage rates to cost-effective oral health benefits, the data underscores Ohio’s substantial achievements in water fluoridation. At the same time, coverage gaps in certain rural and exempt communities point to ongoing opportunities for ensuring consistent, optimal fluoride levels. Even with these challenges, Ohio continues to demonstrate the measurable impact that well-managed, state-level fluoridation policies can have on reducing dental disease and fostering overall public health.
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