Fluoride remains a topic of contention for many healthcare professionals. While some believe it is too dangerous, others applaud its ability to minimize cavities and decay. But how did this debate start? What led to its incorporation into the water supply and toothpaste brands? Read on to learn about the history of fluoride and how it became a popular preventive solution for many dentists.
The Discovery of Fluoride
Considered one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride is regularly used by dental professionals to curb cavities and tooth decay.
However, its use got an interesting start. In 1901, a dentist named Frederick McKay opened a practice in Colorado Springs, CO, where he discovered many residents had dark-colored teeth. Appearing as if they were covered in chocolate, he was eager to find out the cause of such stains.
By 1909, dental researcher Dr. G.V. Black joined McKay, and for six years, they studied the discoloration, discovering that 90% of children suffered from the problem. Calling it “tooth mottling,” today’s experts refer to it as dental fluorosis. Realizing these teeth were resistant to tooth decay, they determined the stains could minimize the potential for cavities.
In 1923, the cause of tooth mottling was still unidentified; however, after traveling to Idaho, McKay learned these same stains formed after the construction of a communal pipeline. He asked city leaders to use a nearby spring as its water source, leading to a decline in tooth stains.
It wasn’t until a trip to Arkansas led McKay and others to discover that tooth mottling was caused by increased levels of fluoride in the water.
How the NIH Got Involved
The National Institute of Health learned of the findings and conducted its own investigation of the fluoridated water. After crafting a way to measure the fluoride in the water, experts decided in the 1930s that levels up to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) were safe and would not cause fluorosis of the tooth enamel.
The Use of Fluoride Today
The inclusion of fluoride in tap water and toothpaste is widely supported by many states because of its proven ability to reduce cavities and improve long-term oral health. Many dentists provide supplemental treatment in-house, including varnish and prescription fluoride toothpaste; its use in other ways (e.g., community water) is believed to improve the health and longevity of patients’ teeth.
About the Author
As a trusted dentist in the area, Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing for more than two decades. She earned her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, and she completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Offering fluoride treatment as a preventive solution to help curb dental decay and cavities, she is here to answer your questions, so contact us at (720) 458-6561 to get the help you need!