Everyone knows that fluoride is an essential mineral that is needed by our teeth.  A lot of people undergo fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth and even our toothpastes, dental rinses, and even our water supply are all fortified with fluoride.  There are even some cities that mandate to have fluoride in the water to ensure that citizens will have their daily dose of fluoride for better oral health.

How did the fluoride revolution start?

In the 1930s, it was discovered that fluoride prevents tooth decay.  City governments then tried to explore the possibility of adding fluoride in the drinking water supply to provide the public with the fluoride that they need.  The first area to offer this was Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1935.  Studies then showed that after six years of the installation of fluoride enriched drinking water, there is a significant reduction in cavities in children in that area.  Today, there are at least 72% of the whole American population that are enjoying the benefits of having fluoride enriched drinking water.  For the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this is one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century, next to immunizations and motor vehicle safety.

If you are a bottled water fanatic, you might not be enjoying the benefits of the fluoride enriched tap water.  Talk to your dentist regarding this option to help you have a better looking smile!

To find out more about the fluoridated water in your community, visit the CDC My Water’s Fluoridation page.