Fluoridation
Fluoridation has been used as a
dental health measure in cities across the U.S. since the late
1940s. More than half the nation's population now drinks water
treated with fluoride. In September 1999, Mesa joined with 40 of
the nation's largest cities in adding fluoride to its public
drinking water as directed by a 1998 vote of the Mesa City
Council and confirmed by a vote of the citizens.
Fluoride occurs naturally in our
drinking water at an average rate of 0.4 parts per million.
Equipment installed by the City increases the rate to 0.7 parts
per million, in accordance with the
American Dental Association's recommended level for dental
health in warm climates.
A proven cavity fighter, fluoride
helps make the enamel surface of the teeth more resistant to
acid and kills some of the bacteria that promote tooth decay.
Fluoridation is encouraged by the
National
Institutes of Health.