• About Us
• Funding
• Programs
• Meetings
• In the Community
• News Room
• Home

Tooth decay is one of the most common and preventable diseases in infants and young children. Untreated tooth decay in children zero to five in Sacramento County is a concern that needs to be addressed by improving oral care. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss.

Water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to adjust the natural fluoride concentration found in drinking water and bring it to the optimal levels that provide the most benefit for dental health. Community water fluoridation is considered one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Water fluoridation is a safe, cost-effective and proven way of preventing tooth decay. Studies have shown that communities with water fluoridation experience significantly lower rates of tooth decay in their population.

On June 5, 2006, the First 5 Sacramento Commission allocated $14 million to increase fluoridation in Sacramento County. Under this plan, 76 percent of children ages zero to five will live within a fluoridated water district by 2010.

• Total Funding: $ 14 million
• First 5 Sacramento Staff Contact: Debra Payne, (916) 876-5870
  
  
• Map of fluoridated areas within Sacramento County

The following strategies are based on current research, evidence-based literature, and community input.

1. Provide funding for fluoridation for:

• Targeted water districts with the greatest concentration of children ages 0 to 5 in Sacramento County, which includes: Rio Linda, Zone 41 (County of Sacramento), Sacramento Suburban (North), California American (Security Park), and Del Paso Manor, and
• Water districts that express interest and have a high concentration of children ages 0 to 5.

2. Provide funding as needed for the required preliminary plan, data-led engineering design work and provide a pay schedule of 5%/95%.

3. Partner with other groups such as pharmacies, dental and medical societies, and other community groups to develop and conduct public education campaigns before and after fluoridation of the water, including media campaigns.

With the collaboration of Sacramento County water districts and in partnership with other funders, the First 5 Sacramento Commission will increase access to fluoridated community drinking water. Included in this approach are key players from a number of water districts, foundations, the State Department of Health Services Offices of Drinking Water and Oral Health, and the California Fluoridation Task Force.

To learn more about water fluoridation services contact the First 5 Sacramento funded partners below or click on the map above.

• Sacramento County Water Agency
• Total Funding: $6,845,544
• Contact Person: Dave Zuccaro, Project Manager, (916) 875-6917

For further information on the benefits of fluoridation, please refer to the following links:

• CA Office of Oral Health
• Sacramento District Dental Society
• Humboldt Del Norte Dental Society
• Sierra Health Foundation
• California Dental Association
• Dental Health Foundation
• Oral Health of America