Why is fluoride added to drinking water?

Fluoride is added to drinking water primarily to prevent dental cavities. This practice is based on extensive research indicating that fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. By being included in public water supplies, fluoride helps to lower the incidence of tooth decay and improve oral health within the community, particularly among children, who are more susceptible to cavities.

While some individuals may assume that fluoride could enhance flavor or address water hardness or reduce chlorine odor, these are not the primary reasons for its addition to drinking water. Fluoride does not typically affect the taste of water, nor is it known to have any direct impact on the hardness of the water, which is determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. Additionally, any reduction of chlorine odor would be linked to water treatment processes using chlorine, rather than fluoride's presence. Therefore, the key benefit of fluoride in drinking water lies in its role in dental health prevention.