Fluoride

History of water fluoridation

Research on the effects of fluoride on teeth started in the early 20^thcentury. Frederick McKay, a dentist, and his collaborator G.V. Black, discovered that children born in Colorado Springs had mottled teeth and that these teeth were more resistant to decay. This phenomenon was later linked to an abnormally high level of naturally occurring fluoride in the water of this area. When consumed before the eruption of permanent teeth, a high concentration of fluoride causes what is called dental fluorosis.

Dr. H.T. Dean determined that concentrations of fluoride that are higher than 1 mg/l could cause fluorosis. He also studied the beneficial effects of fluoride on teeth. Thanks to his work and that of other researchers, municipal water fluoridation was introduced in 4 communities in the United States and Canada in 1945. The results were conclusive: there was a dramatic decline in tooth decay in communities where the water was fluoridated.