[Evolution in access to fluoridated water in São Paulo State, Brazil, from the 1950s to the early 21st century].
Access to fluoridated water is a known protective factor against dental caries. In 1974, fluoridation of the public water supply became mandatory by law in Brazil, resulting in improved coverage, especially in more developed regions of the country. Coverage increased across the country as a priority under the national oral health policy. This article systematizes information on the implementation and expansion of fluoridation in Sao Paulo State from 1956 to 2009, using secondary data from technical reports, official documents, and the Information System for Surveillance of Water Quality for Human Consumption (SISAGUA). In 2009, fluoridation covered 546 of 645 counties in São Paulo State (84.7%), reaching 85.1% of the total population and 93.5% of the population with access to the public water supply. The results indicate that fluoridation has been consolidated as part of State health policy. However, the challenge remains to implement and maintain fluoridation in 99 counties, benefiting 6.2 million inhabitants that are still excluded from this service.
Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. reximenez@usp.br
Renata Ximenez
RX
Alves
Grasiele Fretta
GF
Fernandes
Maria Tereza Pepe
MT
Razzolini
Paulo
P
Frazão
Regina Auxiliadora de Amorim
RA
Marques
Paulo Capel
PC
Narvai
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002947:Cities / Q000266:history; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D060766:Drinking Water; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000266:history* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006291:Health Policy / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans
D060766:Drinking Water