"One of water fluoridation"e;s biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community -- at home, work, school, or play," HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard K. Koh said in a statement. "Today"e;s announcement is part of our ongoing support of appropriate fluoridation for community water systems, and its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one"e;s lifetime."

One reason for the new recommendation is that over the years the sources of fluoride have increased from water to include toothpastes, mouth wash, fluoride supplements and fluoride applied by dentists, according to health officials.

The American Dental Association (ADA) applauded the government announcement to reduce fluoride levels in drinking water.

The government is doing its job in recommending what community water supplies are supposed to do, said ADA spokesman Matthew Messina.

Source: Xinhua