Efficacy of fluoride on dental caries reduction by means of a community water supply.

A study of 200 children, patients of the City of New Orleans Health Department Bureau, was made to determine the effects of a fluoridated water supply (the Mississippi River) on their caries experience. Results show that drinking water is a very cost-effective vehicle of fluoride administration, and that a fluoridated community water supply does indeed reduce the numbers of caries lesions and extractions.