Is Osan's Tap Water Fluoridated? Published April 1, 2010 By 51st Dental Squadron OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Fluoridating community water is the single most effective public health measure in the fight against dental caries. Even with the availability of other external fluoride sources (e.g. toothpastes, mouth rinses, etc.) studies show that fluoridated water continues to be effective in reducing dental caries. Osan Air Base tap water contains only small amounts of naturally occurring fluoride because Osan does not have the necessary equipment to add, monitor and maintain optimal fluoride levels as do most municipal water treatment facilities. There are currently no plans to fluoridate the Osan base water supply. Bottled water is another source used by many on and off base. In an effort to better determine the amount of fluoride our beneficiaries are receiving, the 51st Dental Squadron measured the fluoride levels in all bottled water sold on base. We found that the most consistently fluoridated samples were those that were advertised as fluoridated drinking water, such as Nursery purified water with added F and Sparkletts Sport with added Fluoride. In the past, Osan dental providers have recommended prescription fluoride supplements for our pediatric population. We now recommend fluoridated bottled drinking water over prescription fluoride supplements because it is a more consistent way to provide a source of systemic fluoride for our base community. This recommendation is confirmed by a review of the current literature, the USAF Consultant to the Surgeon General for Pediatric Dentistry, and USAF Consultant to the Surgeon General for Dental Public Health. If you have any questions regarding fluoride, please contact the Osan Dental Clinic at 784-2108.