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 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

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

Thanks to fluoridation, the CDC says, “tooth loss is no longer considered inevitable, and increasingly adults in the United States are retaining most of their teeth for a lifetime.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 22, 2024

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