Both community water fluoridation (pre-eruptive fluoride) and topical fluoridation (post-eruptive fluoride) have proven to be an important mechanism in preventing dental caries in the U.S. Multiple research studies have continue to enforce that water fluoridation has contributed to the decline in dental caries, but the post-eruptive (topical) effect of fluoride has played an even more vital role in reducing dental caries.
