Final answer:
Most commercial toothpastes in the United States contain fluoride levels of 1,000 to 1,100 ppm, which is effective in preventing tooth decay. This efficacy is underlined by clinical studies and a Cochrane review. Additionally, community water fluoridation serves as a cost-effective strategy to further prevent tooth decay among the American population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The majority of commercial dentifrices, or toothpastes, in the Unites States contain fluoride concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 1,100 parts per million (ppm). This level of fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay, which is a consensus supported by the findings of a 2019 Cochrane review. Further clinical trials have demonstrated that higher fluoride dentifrices not only reduce the amount of plaque but also decrease the population of bacteria such as mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, as well as potentially increase calcium fluoride deposits in comparison to traditional fluoride-containing toothpastes.
In relation to community water fluoridation, more than 210 million Americans, or 75% of the population, receive optimally fluoridated water, contributing to the nation's oral health. The Community Water Fluoridation program is deemed the most cost-effective method for fluoride delivery, aiming to decrease tooth decay by 25% among children and adults.