BOSTON — As debates over water fluoridation continue across the country, a new national poll reveals that most Americans support the practice or are not opposed to it, with strong trust in medical and dental professionals on the issue.
The survey, conducted by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, found that 81% of U.S. adults either support (52%) or are not opposed (29%) to adding fluoride to public water supplies. Only 6% of respondents favored banning the practice entirely.
“This survey confirms that the campaign against water fluoridation is out of step with not only the vast majority of the scientific and medical communities, but with the American people, too,” said Melissa Burroughs, Senior Director of Public Policy at CareQuest Institute. “The government should protect oral health, not cut off access to basic preventive care like fluoride.”
The findings come as some localities consider ending fluoridation, despite decades of research supporting its benefits. According to CareQuest, over 7,000 scientific studies affirm that fluoridation at U.S.-approved levels is both safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
Additional highlights from the survey include:
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96% of respondents said they trust their family doctor or pediatrician to educate them about fluoride in drinking water.
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86% of Americans report using some form of fluoride in their daily lives.
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79% believe the government should take steps to protect and improve oral health.
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Even among those who oppose fluoridation, most believe communities should make their own decisions on the issue.
The results echo support from leading health authorities, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Mayo Clinic.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association warned that eliminating fluoridation nationwide could result in more than 25 million additional decayed teeth among children and an estimated $9.8 billion in added healthcare costs — disproportionately affecting low-income and uninsured families.
The CareQuest poll was conducted online from July 7 to July 9, 2025, with a sample of 1,114 U.S. adults. The margin of error is ±2.94%.
