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 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

Finally, we also know that water fluoridation prevents dental disease.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

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

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

Who would benefit from the end of community fluoridation and a recrudescence of tooth decay?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024