( CNN ) -- The federal government is recommending changing the amount of fluoride in drinking water for the first time in 50 years . The Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection Agency are proposing the change because of an increase in fluorosis -- a condition that causes spotting and streaking on children 's teeth . The government is proposing that the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water be set at 0.7 milligrams per liter of water . The recommended range has been 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter since 1962 . The EPA will determine whether the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in water will also be lowered . Fluoride was first added to water in the United States in the 1940s to help prevent tooth decay in children 8 years and under . `` One of water fluoridation 's biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community -- at home , work , school or play , '' said Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh . `` And fluoridation 's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children , but extends throughout life , resulting in improved oral health . '' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says dental fluorosis is highest among adolescents between the ages of 12 an 15 . One reason for the increase in fluorosis : Americans now have access to fluoride from a variety of sources , including toothpaste , mouth rinses and prescription supplements , the Department of Health and Human Services says . `` Dental fluorosis in the United States appears mostly in the very mild form -- as barely visible lacy white markings or spots on the enamel , '' The department said in a statement Friday . `` The severe form of dental fluorosis , with staining and pitting on the tooth surface , is rare in the United States . '' The change is being made now , according to an administration official , because the current range is out of date . He said that in the 1960s , when fluoridating water began , air conditioning was much less common . So children in hotter regions drank more water and needed lower levels of fluoride to protect their teeth , while children in colder climates drank less water and needed higher levels . `` Now since air conditioning is so common , '' the official said , `` you do n't see those differences in consumption , and that 's why they 're getting rid of the range and recommending one level . '' The American Dental Association says the new recommended levels will still reduce tooth decay but minimize fluorosis . The group says it continues to support fluoridation of community water as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay . `` This is a superb example of a government agency fulfilling its mission to protect and enhance the health of the American people , '' said ADA President Dr. Raymond F. Gist . `` We have always looked to the federal health agencies to guide us on this and other public health matters , and we will continue to do so . We applaud the Department of Health and Human Services for reaffirming the safety and efficacy of optimal community water fluoridation , with science on their side . '' The Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit organization whose goal is to protect public health and the environment , says it has been pushing governmental officials to reduce fluroide levels for years . `` We 've had to wait too long , but the government 's official , belated -- and perhaps begrudging -- announcement marks its recognition that fluoride policies have been out of step with the science on the tap-water additive 's toxicity to children , and that many American children are at risk from excess fluoride in drinking water and other sources , '' said Jane Houlihan , senior vice president for research at the Environmental Working Group . `` Since 2005 , EWG has been calling on federal agencies to respond to these findings , which come from National Academy of Sciences and many others , documenting that excess fluoride exposure poses dangers that range from discolored teeth to potential hormone disruption and neurotoxicity . HHS has taken an important first step . Now it 's up to water utilities to respond and for the EPA to lower its high , legal limit on fluoride in drinking water , which is more than five times higher than the new maximum recommended amount . '' The recommendations have been submitted to the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period . The final version is expected this spring .
There has been an increase in a condition called fluorosis . It causes spotting and streaking on children 's teeth . The ADA says the new levels will still reduce tooth decay but minimize fluorosis . Comment: