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Water fluoridation statistics in Washington and surrounding states present a complex picture of public health coverage, cost implications, and community needs. This article compiles and organizes the latest numbers to offer a clear perspective on where Washington stands, how it compares to regional neighbors, and which demographic groups have the highest and lowest fluoridation access rates.
Overall, the data reveals that Washington’s urban areas tend to show higher coverage percentages, while rural communities lag behind significantly. Disparities also emerge along income and racial lines, providing a broad look at how fluoridation continues to impact oral health outcomes across the state and the region. Below, we examine the most up-to-date figures.
These numbers serve as key reference points for understanding the contrasts within Washington and its neighboring states. Below, we break down these and other data sets by relevant categories to offer a more comprehensive view of water fluoridation trends in the region.
Washington’s overall coverage rate shows incremental improvements since 2005, yet distinct gaps remain across counties and demographics.
Despite higher urban coverage, no significant change in statewide adoption rates occurred after updating fluoride concentration standards. Below is a table illustrating coverage growth in selected regions of Washington from 2005 to 2023.
Location | 2005 Coverage | 2023 Coverage |
---|---|---|
Statewide Average | 46% | 56% |
Seattle Area | 75% | 80% |
Yakima | 60% | ~70% |
Rural Eastern WA (Average) | Under 10% | 2–40% |
When measured against neighboring states and the national average, Washington’s fluoridation rates fluctuate below national figures but outperform certain regional counterparts.
Oregon's rates have remained unchanged since 2010, and Idaho shows a noteworthy commitment to boosting coverage in rural areas. Below is a table contrasting these figures at a glance.
Region | Fluoridation Rate | Rank or Notable Point |
---|---|---|
Washington | 56% | Below national average |
Oregon | 22% | 48th in U.S. |
Idaho Rural (Non-Core) | 61.2% | Higher rural coverage than WA |
National Average | 74.4% | CDC statistic |
Kentucky | 99.7% | Among highest coverage rates |
Specific communities in Washington show notable differences in access to fluoridated water, highlighting socioeconomic and racial factors alongside urban-rural divisions.
These figures draw attention to where coverage lags and illustrate potential differences based on population density and socioeconomic resources. The table below shows a snapshot of coverage in counties of varying income levels, highlighting the disparity.
County | Approx. Household Income | Fluoridation Rate |
---|---|---|
Grays Harbor | Lower Income | ~30% |
King County | Higher Income | 80% |
Yakima | Moderate Income | ~70% |
Various Rural Counties | Lower Income | 2–40% |
The statistics on fluoridation coverage connect closely to oral health outcomes, treatment costs, and other health indicators.
The potential for cost savings is one of the key points that often prompts municipalities to consider water fluoridation. Below, a table demonstrates how these outcomes compare by region.
Measure | Fluoridated Communities | Non-Fluoridated Communities |
---|---|---|
Avg. Reduction in Cavities (Children) | ~25% | Baseline |
Lifetime Tooth Loss (Adults) | 40-60% Less | Baseline |
Estimated Cost Savings per $1 Invested | $20–$38 | No Additional Savings |
Diabetes-Related Hospitalization Rate | 12% Lower | Baseline |
Beyond coverage statistics, survey data points to ongoing discussions regarding fluoridation in local communities.
Such debates have led to more frequent reviews of community systems, though overall coverage remains stable despite local referendums and community votes.
Overall, Washington’s water fluoridation rates have shown incremental gains in urban centers but remain uneven across the state, especially when viewed alongside neighboring Oregon and Idaho. These figures underscore both the potential benefits of fluoridation and the persistent divides across rural and low-income regions.
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