Final answer:
Fluoride is the mineral added to community water supplies to prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones. It works by forming fluorapatite in teeth and bones, making them more resistant to decay and increasing their density. Community water fluoridation is a cost-effective public health practice that benefits a wide population.
Step-by-step explanation:
In many communities, the mineral fluoride is added to the water to prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones. Fluoride occurs naturally on Earth and while all water contains some fluoride, community water fluoridation involves adjusting the fluoride to levels that are optimal for the prevention of tooth decay. This public health practice provides frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride, effectively keeping teeth strong and resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay. It also contributes to bone health by forming fluorapatite, which stabilizes and strengthens bone mineral, thus increasing density.
Fluoride is not only important for dental health, with its inclusion in toothpaste and mouth rinses, but is also the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to a broad population when added to community water supplies. As of 2012, 75% of the US population had access to fluoridated water, with a national goal to increase this to 80% by 2020. Despite the widespread use of other fluoride-containing products, community water fluoridation remains a significant measure in the battle against tooth decay and in promoting overall dental and bone health.