Graphic of the week: Water fluoridation in Ohio, U.S.

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Data included in the latest edition of America’s Health Rankings shows that Ohio is one of the top 10 states in the U.S. for percentage of residents served by water systems that have fluoridated water. Fluoride is added to water as a proven public health measure to prevent tooth loss and decay and reduce cavities. It is also a naturally occurring mineral present in the Earth’s crust, and can be found in soil, water and many food products.
 
According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 92.7% of Ohioans had access to fluoridated drinking water, compared to 72.7% in the U.S. overall. Ohio’s high percentage of residents served by fluoridated water is highlighted as one of the state’s strengths in the 2023-2027 State Oral Health Plan.
 
Although Ohio ranks high for community water fluoridation, the state still faces challenges with overall oral health. In the 2024 Health Value Dashboard, Ohio ranked 39th for poor oral health, illustrating that water fluoridation is an important tool to improve oral health, but is not sufficient to address the challenges facing the state. The State Oral Health Plan lays out ways that state leaders can address barriers to oral health for Ohioans.