fluoridation

American  

[floor-i-dey-shuhn, flawr-, flohr-] / ˌflʊər ɪˈdeɪ ʃən, ˌflɔr-, ˌfloʊr- /

noun

1. the addition of fluorides to the public water supply to reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

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fluoridation British  

/ ˌflʊərɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. the addition of about one part per million of fluorides to the public water supply as a protection against tooth decay

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Other Word Forms

• antifluoridation noun
• defluoridation noun

Etymology

Origin of fluoridation

First recorded in 1900–05; fluoride + -ation

Example Sentences

The American Dental Association “is very concerned for people of all ages and socioeconomic status” in communities stopping water fluoridation, a spokesperson wrote in an email.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2025

Dr Lucy O'Malley at the University of Manchester said the scheme would likely benefit children but there was no evidence water fluoridation reduced oral health inequalities.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2025

The cleanliness and fluoridation of the water supply has dramatically reduced infectious disease and cavities, and has been heralded as one of the 20th century's greatest public health achievements.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2025

What’s more, the review looked almost exclusively at studies of natural fluoridation.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

The report authors acknowledged that their analysis “was not designed to address the broader public health implications of water fluoridation in the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2025