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

Although the fluoridation of public water that he opposes can benefit everyone, it’s consistently found to be most beneficial to people with low incomes or who live in rural areas.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2025

The government is also expanding water fluoridation across north-east England, following a public consultation.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 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

Water fluoridation, too, has brought uncountable health benefits, especially for children.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2024

Tooth decay is a little-recognized public health problem, in part because fluoridation has made it rarer than it used to be.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024