fluoridation

American  

[floor-i-day-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

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Etymology

Origin of fluoridation

First recorded in 1900–05; fluoride + -ation

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fluoridation

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 previously said for every £1 spent on water fluoridation in the area, it expected to save £13 after five years.

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

Despite the obvious and proven benefits of fluoridation for teeth, it’s very controversial.

From Slate ● Jan. 16, 2025

Opponents of fluoridation have played on paranoid fears for decades, but into the 1960s, these were popularly dismissed as ravings from fringe organizations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 22, 2024

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