Last Updated: July 29, 2025
Did you know that adjusting fluoride in public water systems is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay?
For nearly 80 years, water fluoridation has helped improve oral health across the U.S.—and the Virginia Department of Health fully supports it!
Here’s what you should know:
✅ Fluoride is a natural mineral, not a medication—just like adding iodine to salt or vitamin D to milk.
✅ It’s safe and effective. Thousands of studies over decades confirm it doesn’t cause harmful side effects at the levels used in U.S. drinking water.
✅ You still have personal choice—if you prefer not to consume fluoride, you can use water filters.
✅ Other countries use different methods to provide fluoride—like adding it to salt or milk.
✅ Fluoride in water + toothpaste = a double shield for your teeth!
✅ Local communities—not the federal government—decide whether to fluoridate their water.
🖱 Learn more from the Virginia Department of Health:
👉 https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/cwf
Let’s keep our smiles strong, Virginia! 😁💙 #OralHealth #FluorideFacts #VDH