What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. Almost all water contains some fluoride, but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay.

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Decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water in Maine are made at the local level through public referendum votes.

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The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has called community water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. The agency maintains that fluoridated water is both safe and effective in reducing tooth decay in children and adults by 25 percent, citing scientific research.

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Common Sources for Fluoride:

Soil, water, plants, and foods contain trace amounts of fluoride. Most of the fluoride people are exposed to comes from fluoridated water, foods and beverages prepared with fluoridated water, and toothpaste and other dental products containing fluoride.

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