Updated on March 15, 2024
2 min read

South Dakota Water Fluoride: Updated Statistics

NewMouth is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links. Advertising Disclosure.

Water fluoridation is a crucial public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. In South Dakota, the majority of the population has access to fluoridated water, thanks to the state’s strong commitment to this practice. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of water fluoridation in South Dakota and how it compares to national trends.

Here are a few key statistics that highlight the importance of water fluoridation in South Dakota:

  • As of 2018, 93.7% of South Dakota’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water, significantly higher than the national average of 72.7% in 2020.
  • South Dakota mandates fluoridation for all communities of 500 or more, except where natural fluoride content conforms to State Department of Health regulations, contributing to the high percentage of the population receiving fluoridated water.
  • Community water fluoridation is recognized as a cost-effective public health intervention that prevents tooth decay by ensuring teeth have frequent contact with low levels of fluoride.

Access to Fluoridated Water in South Dakota

South Dakota has consistently maintained a high percentage of its population with access to fluoridated water:

  • In 2018, 93.7% of South Dakota’s population served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water.
  • The percentage has shown a slight fluctuation over the years, with 95.0% in 2006, a slight decrease to 93.6% in 2014, and maintaining at 93.7% in 2018.

Comparison to National Averages

South Dakota’s commitment to water fluoridation stands out when compared to national figures:

  • Nationally, 72.7% of the U.S. population on community water systems received fluoridated water in 2020.
  • South Dakota’s figure of 93.7% in 2018 is significantly above the national average.

Legislation and Public Health Support

South Dakota’s high rate of access to fluoridated water is due in part to supportive legislation and public health efforts:

  • South Dakota mandates fluoridation for all communities of 500 or more, except where natural fluoride content conforms to State Department of Health regulations.
  • This legislation has contributed to the high percentage of the population receiving fluoridated water.

Public Health Impact

Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure that helps prevent tooth decay and promote oral health:

  • Community water fluoridation is recognized as a cost-effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay.
  • Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay by ensuring that teeth have frequent contact with low levels of fluoride.

South Dakota’s strong commitment to water fluoridation has resulted in one of the highest percentages of the population having access to fluoridated water in the United States. By maintaining this practice and supporting legislation, South Dakota continues to prioritize the oral health of its residents, setting an example for other states to follow.

Last updated on March 15, 2024
4 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. 2020 National Water Fluoridation Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
  2. South Dakota Fluoridation Statistics. Fluoride Action Network, 2014.
  3. Community Water Fluoridation Model. Rural Health Information Hub, 2021.
  4. South Dakota Oral Health Plan 2022-2027. South Dakota Department of Health, 2021.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram