What About Fluoride?

Fluoride has long been associated with oral hygiene. Aside from it cramming toothpaste tubes with the substance, fluoride is also found in nearly every water supply of industrialized nations for the sole purpose of reducing tooth decay. That was not always the case. The research that led to the addition to our water plans began at the turn of the 20th century. Only after decades of testing and research, was fluoride added to community water supplies around the nation.

Dentist Frederick McKay, is one of the men behind the discovery of the relationship between fluoride and dental health. After years of practicing dentistry in New York, he focused his efforts to the town of Oakley, Idaho. During this time period (circa 1920s) locals to the town noticed that their children at brown spots and discoloration of their teeth (AKA mottled teeth). McKay along with H. B. Smith (Jerome, Idaho) noticed that only those who drank the community water had the affliction. There analysis of the situation was enough to convince the town of Oakley to invest $35,000 to tap into different sources of drinking water. New wells were built and those who drank that water (with just trace elements of fluorine) no longer had to fear mottled teeth.

After this time period, research regarding the relationship between fluoride, drinking water and tooth decay continued. Members of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, including H. Trendley Dean, headed this movement. These intellects published research that indicated that a small fluoride concentration (approximately 1 mg/L) had a positive effect on cavity reduction. The group tested the theory in a controlled experiment that added the said amount of fluoride to the drinking water in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There results (published in 1950) proved a reduction in tooth decay.

It was that discovery that lead the U.S. Public Health Service to adopt fluoridation as a recommended practice in 1951. The process of mixing the additive to public water supplies began in 1960.

Here are some more fun facts about fluoride and drinking water:

* Fluoride is the only chemical additive to drinking water with medicinal benefits
* The American Dental Society starting advising parents not to give their babies fluoride treated water in 2006
* 97 percent of Western Europe opts not to put fluoride in their drinking water. Instead the compound is added to table salt or people receive fluoride treatments from their oral care practitioner

Fluoride in drinking water has become a hot topic over time, with groups fighting over both sides of the issue. If you have any concerns regarding fluoride and your health, visiting your dentist can help you find answers. If you are currently struggling to afford dental care for you and your family, a discount dental plan is one option that can make the task easier.