Community Public Water Fluoridation Resources

May 7, 2026

Good Oral Health Starts with Prevention

Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective and affordable ways communities can prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for children and adults.

The Missouri Coalition for Oral Health supports evidence-based fluoridation efforts and provides educational resources to help community advocates, providers, parents, and local leaders make informed decisions.

“Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.”
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General (2014-2017)

Featured Resource

Water Fluoridation: A Community Toolkit
Created by the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, this toolkit helps community advocates confidently communicate the benefits of fluoridation.
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Getting Started

New to community water fluoridation? Start with these beginner-friendly resources that explain how fluoridation works, why it matters, and what current research shows.

Campaign for Dental Health: Is Fluoridation Effective?
Quick facts and research-based resources on community water fluoridation and its impact on oral health.
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Community Water Fluoridation
Learn how community water fluoridation works, what research shows, and why it remains an important prevention strategy.
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Children’s Dental Health Project: The Updated Recommendation for Fluoride in Water
A brief Q&A covering updated fluoride recommendations and common questions about fluoridated water.
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Resources for Families & Parents

These resources help parents and caregivers understand fluoride safety, children’s oral health, and common questions about fluoridated water and toothpaste.

Campaign for Dental Health: Common Questions About Fluoride
This infographic answers common questions about fluoride, children’s oral health, toothpaste, and public water fluoridation.
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Fluoride Exposed: What Every Mom Ought to Know About Fluoride
An easy-to-read resource addressing common questions and myths about fluoride and fluoridated toothpaste.
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American Academy of Pediatrics: Fluoridation Resources
Educational resources from the AAP Campaign for Dental Health covering fluoride and children’s oral health for families and providers.
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Research & Economic Impact

Explore research, public health findings, and economic data related to fluoridation’s impact on oral health outcomes and healthcare costs.

CareQuest: How Ending Water Fluoridation Would Affect Children and State Medicaid Costs
This report examines how ending water fluoridation could affect children’s oral health and Medicaid costs across five states, including Missouri.
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Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services: Public Water Fluoridation
Learn about Missouri’s fluoridation efforts, public water systems, and statewide fluoridation initiatives.
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Scientific Statement on Community Water Fluoridation
The CDC outlines the safety, effectiveness, and public health benefits of community water fluoridation.
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Water Fluoridation Data and Statistics
Explore national fluoridation statistics, water quality monitoring, and public health data.
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Resources for Providers

American Dental Association: The Dentist’s Role in Promoting Community Water Fluoridation
This report explores how dental providers can support fluoridation efforts through patient education and public health advocacy.
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Support Oral Health in Your Community

Whether you’re a parent, provider, educator, or local advocate, sharing accurate information about community water fluoridation can help improve oral health outcomes across Missouri.
Download the Toolkit >