Water fluoridation in Brazilian capitals in the beginning of the XXI century: the effectiveness in question

The evolution of dental caries prevalence in Brazilian capitals was analyzed by measuring average percent difference in each city from 2003 to 2010. Between 2003 and 2010, we observed an average decline in the DMFT values in the fluoridated capitals (-8.6%) and an average increase of approximately 12.8% in non-fluoridated capitals. We concluded that fluoridation of public water supplies remains as a strategic measure for preventing dental caries in Brazilian capitals, despite concomitant exposure to multiple sources of fluoride. It should not only continue but be expanded as part of health equity-based public policies.