Community Water Fluoridation

The NZDA continues to strongly support and promote community water fluoridation as a safe and effective preventative measure to improve public oral health. It is the NZDA's postition that all New Zealanders who could have access to optimally fluoridated water do so have access.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that occurs in the earth's crust and is found in many foods we eat and drink, and in all drinking water. The amount of fluoride in the water varies between areas. The two most significant sources of fluoride are fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride works in two ways: systemically and topically.

Systemic:  Fluoride builds into the developing tooth structure making them more resistant to decay. It is most effective when teeth get exposed to small levels of fluoride as they erupt through the gums.

Topical: Fluoride helps repair the early stages of decay by replacing the minerals lost on the surface of the teeth.

Community Water Fluoridation

This is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water supply to the optimal level of between 0.7ppm to 1ppm (parts per million). The amount added is monitored to make sure that the levels stay within that range. Water fluoridation has both systemic and topical effects on teeth.

Community Water Fluoridation is an effective, safe and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay for everyone. 

Along with brushing teeth twice a day, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary drinks, water fluoridation helps to prevent tooth decay.

Click here to hear from trusted NZ health professionals and community leaders about community water fluoridation. They talk about the facts, the benefits and dispel some of the myths related to this critical health measure.