New data and provider insights underscore the role of fluoride in early preventive care

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a nationwide observance that focuses on the importance of preventive care and healthy oral hygiene habits for children. Throughout the month, Delta Dental of Tennessee (Delta Dental) has shared information with families across the state about the role of fluoride in preventing tooth decay and supporting children’s long-term oral health.

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“Good oral health in childhood lays the foundation for overall health, confidence, and success in school as well as later in life,” said Jeff Ballard, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Fluoride is a safe, effective, and evidence-based way to prevent tooth decay and reduce long-term dental issues for children across Tennessee. At Delta Dental, we work to ensure families have the information and resources they need to keep kids healthy and smiling.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, half of all children ages 6 to 9 have had cavities in their primary or permanent teeth. Left untreated, these cavities can lead to pain, infections, and missed school days, and can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, play, and learn.

Preventive tools such as fluoride help reduce decay and limit the need for more invasive dental treatment, particularly when introduced early in life. Community water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of public health for over 75 years, helping millions of Americans maintain healthy teeth and prevent tooth decay. Research evaluating the safety of fluoride continues to support its use at recommended levels. In response to recent questions about fluoride exposure during pregnancy, a recent study examining community water fluoridation found no association between fluoridated water and low birth weight, adding to decades of research on fluoride safety and public health outcomes.

An analysis of Delta Dental claims data shows that Tennessee children ages 1-20 are less likely than their peers across the country to have received two or more preventive fluoride treatments. Tennessee also falls below national averages for the use of dental sealants on permanent molars, which are commonly used to help prevent cavities.

Dentists across Tennessee note that fluoride is one of the safest and most effective tools for preventing tooth decay, particularly in communities with limited access to dental care. The State Department of Health notes that every dollar spent on community water fluoridation saves $38 in dental costs and helps keep our children in school and learning, rather than sitting in a dentist’s chair with a toothache.

Rhett Raum, D.M.D., practices in one location with community water fluoridation and another that has not had it for more than 20 years. He sees a significant difference in the amount of decay in his patients.

“With fluoride in the water supply, I think the benefit is setting them up for a healthy life. It’s been considered one of the CDC’s Top 10 public health improvements of all time, and that was not easy to come by,” said Dr. Raum. “Dentistry is one of the professions where we actively advocate for something that could theoretically put us out of business or reduce our business. We do that because it is what is best for the population. We want people to be able to smile.”

“Parents need to understand the seriousness of having tooth decay. When we eat food, it doesn’t just stay in our mouths; it travels to the rest of our body - and so does dental decay,” said Christina Rosenthal, D.D.S., M.P.H. “In communities with limited access to providers, if we’re able to reduce decay in the beginning, that leads us to less cost and less time away from work and school.”

Click to hear more from Dr. Raum and Dr. Rosenthal in brief videos.

Delta Dental of Tennessee has long supported preventive care through community partnerships, school-based initiatives, and statewide programs that help children access dental services and receive early oral health education. Programs such as Kids Dental Day provide free dental screenings and preventive care for children who may face barriers to access, while initiatives like Water’s Cool @ School encourage healthier habits by promoting water consumption and reducing sugary drink intake in schools. Through its Smile180 Foundation, Delta Dental of Tennessee has also partnered with organizations such as PBS KIDS and invested in community-focused programs for more than 25 years to improve oral health outcomes for children and families across Tennessee.

To learn more about Delta Dental of Tennessee, visit DeltaDentalTN.com.

About Delta Dental of Tennessee

Delta Dental of Tennessee is the state’s largest independent dental benefits carrier with 1.8 million lives covered. As part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, Delta Dental of Tennessee members have access to the largest dental network in the nation, with more than 151,000 providers serving more than 411,958 locations. With the simple mission of ensuring healthy smiles, Delta Dental of Tennessee works hard to help members of the communities it serves. Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee donated more than $5.0 million in funding and in-kind services to over 110 organizations in 2025.

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