Launched in January, 2008 FLUORIDE NOW represents public health advocates, pediatricians, family physicians, dentists, oral hygienists, public leaders, business leaders, community health foundations and others across the Commonwealth who have come together to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime. Now is the time for community water fluoridation:

• Scientific studies have repeatedly confirmed the safety of water fluoridation at preventative levels (0.7-1.2 parts per million) and its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay.
• Fluoride prevents cavities by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to the acids causing tooth decay.
• The average cost for a community to fluoridate the water ranges between 50 cents and $3 a year per person. For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
• Fluoridation would save a significant amount of money in the state Medicaid budget and reduce the school hours lost per year because of dental-related illness