Dr. Regina Benjamin

Huntsville, Ala.—U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., April 22 officially endorsed community water fluoridation as "one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the oral health of their citizens."

Dr. Benjamin made her endorsement via a letter read at the opening ceremony at the National Oral Health Conference in Huntsville.

"Fluoridation's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities," Dr. Benjamin wrote. "In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it."

Every surgeon general for the past 50 years has endorsed community water fluoridation of community water supplies as a safe and effective weapon in the war against tooth decay.

The American Dental Association has supported fluoridation since 1950.

"The ADA's policies regarding community water fluoridation are based on the best available science showing that fluoridation is a safe, effective way to prevent dental decay," said ADA President Robert A Faiella. "The ADA, along with state and local dental societies, continues to work with federal, state and local agencies to increase the number of communities benefiting from this very effective public health measure. We applaud Dr. Benjamin for making this public endorsement of fluoridation."

Dr. Benjamin's letter to the National Oral Health Conference is available on ADA.org