Development of Pills or Tables to Expedite Water Fluoridation

The development & commercialization of an innovative, simple-to-use, durable & cost-effective system capable of delivering fluoride to small & med-size potable water systems is essential to increase the availability of fluoridated water to 80 percent of the nation's population by 2020 (CDC's Health People goal). To achieve this goal, a research & development Plan has been created using sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6), a traditional fluoridation agent. This plan describes the development & production of tablets containing sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6) that can be conveniently packaged for use with commercially available feeding equipment. Concomitant research & testing will be performed to develop application & performance data that provides product application guidance for those small to mid-size communities seeking a convenient, efficient & cost-effective means of water fluoridation. Fluoridation of potable drinking water has been positively shown to reduce dental caries & significantly improve oral hygiene. An economic analysis has determined that in most communities, every $1 invested in fluoridation saves $38 or more in treatment costs.