Why is fluoride commonly added to drinking water?

Fluoride is commonly added to drinking water primarily to prevent tooth decay. This practice, known as water fluoridation, has been widely recognized for its dental health benefits. Research shows that fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When fluoride is ingested, it becomes incorporated into the developing teeth of children, which helps to reduce the incidence of cavities significantly.

Adding fluoride to drinking water has been endorsed by numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as an effective public health measure. By addressing tooth decay at a community level, water fluoridation helps promote overall oral health and can reduce the need for dental treatments, which can be costly.

While the other options may sound plausible, they do not represent the primary reason for fluoride's inclusion in drinking water. Enhancing flavor, disinfecting, or removing impurities are tasks associated with other substances or water treatment processes that do not pertain to fluoride's role in dental health.