Provided by numerous federal agencies, public water fluoridation is an exercise that has found widespread use in the United States and other countries around the world. Through the prevention of tooth decay, fluoridation has been recognized as one of the most important disease prevention measures adopted in the last century. Supporters of fluoridation see this implementation as an effective, safe, and cost-effective method to bring health to the general population. However, those who oppose these views consider water fluoridation to be a kind of mass drug and consider it to be an immoral activity. Beyond that, many back up their opinions with unreliable evidence linking the practice of fluoridation to mouth problems such as enamel fluorosis and other diseases. Water fluoridation should continue to be the primary method in distributing fluoride to the general population due to its positive effects on the human body. Beginning in the mid-20th century, many exploratory studies were conducted to demonstrate that a certain amount of fluoride in water leads to a decrease in tooth decay among humans. Being almost 60 years old, the tests used were quite imperfect and this has led to public debate over its safety and effectiveness. Water fluoridation soon emerged as a public health priority and has been heavily promoted ever since. The American Dental Association has stated its support for water fluoridation as a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay (fluoride and fluoridation), but; many oppose this view. Despite compelling evidence in favor of water fluoridation, several opposing views have emerged. Many average citizens and medical professionals consider the practice of water fluoridation to be… middle of paper… consumable, a practice that can be carried on for a lifetime without the financial burden of separately purchasing fluoride. While fluoride consumption cannot completely replace tooth brushing, it is a useful addition to this hygiene practice. With the help of countless safety procedures, water fluoridation should remain the primary method of fluoride distribution because of its many benefits and ability to provide a luxury for those who cannot or will not otherwise afford it. The potential dangers of this practice are extremely limited and occur in the event of distribution failures or human error. The benefits far outweigh any possible negative effects, and to support this belief, the FDA and ADA have worked together to promote water fluoridation around the world due to its effectiveness in maintaining human health and stability..