Oregon Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. However, the implementation of water fluoridation varies significantly across the United States. In Oregon, the percentage of the population with access to fluoridated water is notably lower than the national average, with only 21.9% of the state’s population served by public water systems having access to fluoridated water as of 2018.

Despite the proven benefits of water fluoridation, Oregon ranks 48th among U.S. states in the proportion of public water systems that are fluoridated. This article will explore the current state of water fluoridation in Oregon, the challenges faced in implementing this public health measure, and the potential impact on the oral health of Oregonians.

• As of 2018, only 21.9% of Oregon’s population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water, significantly below the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
• Only 11 of Oregon’s 36 counties had one or more fluoridated public water systems as of 2017.

Oregon’s Fluoridation Coverage Over Time

The percentage of Oregon’s population with access to fluoridated water has remained relatively stable in recent years:

• In 2012, 22.6% of the population had access to fluoridated water.
• In 2014, the figure remained at 22.6%.
• As of 2018, 21.9% of the population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water.

This stagnant trend in fluoridation coverage indicates that Oregon has made little progress in expanding access to this important public health measure over the past decade.

Comparison to National Averages

Oregon’s fluoridation coverage is significantly lower than the national average:

• In 2020, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water.
• Oregon’s figure of approximately 21.9% in 2018 places it among the states with the lowest coverage of water fluoridation.

Legislation and Public Health Support

Oregon does not mandate statewide fluoridation, leaving the decision to fluoridate up to local municipalities or water authorities.

• Recent legislative efforts and public debates have focused on whether to fluoridate cities like Portland, which has historically resisted fluoridation efforts.

Public Health Impact

Despite strong evidence that water fluoridation is safe and improves oral health, Oregon’s low fluoridation rates may have negative impacts on public health:

• Oregon ranks 48th among U.S. states in the proportion of public water systems that are fluoridated.
• Only 11 of Oregon’s 36 counties had one or more fluoridated public water systems as of 2017.

The low percentage of Oregonians with access to fluoridated water may contribute to higher rates of tooth decay and oral health problems in the state. Expanding access to fluoridated water could help improve the oral health of Oregonians, particularly in communities that currently lack access to this important public health measure.

In conclusion, Oregon faces significant challenges in ensuring that its population has access to fluoridated water. With only 21.9% of the population served by public water systems having access to fluoridated water, the state falls far below the national average. Local decision-making processes and historical resistance to fluoridation efforts have contributed to this low coverage. Increasing access to fluoridated water in Oregon could help improve oral health outcomes and reduce disparities in dental health across the state.