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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• antifluoridation
  noun
• defluoridation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of fluoridation

First recorded in 1900–05; fluoride + -ation

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fluoridation

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

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

From Slate ● Jan. 16, 2025

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

From Slate ● Dec. 2, 2024

The reason that hasn’t been the case for late baby boomers and subsequent generations is that the fluoridation of drinking water became common starting in the late 1940s and continuing today.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 22, 2024