Fluoridation is the act of adding fluoride, usually to water sources. In Hamden, we make sure your children have it applied to their teeth after a check up to keep tooth decay away.
This wasn’t always the case though. It took years of research to develop the tooth saving products we use today.
Fluoride is a mineral in many foods. It is in soil, water, and plants. In its ionic form, fluorine, inhibits or reverses tooth decay and stimulates new bone formation.
1909
Dentists Frederick McKay and Dr. G.V. Black began collaborating. Local native born children of the particular area all seemed to have large brown stains on their teeth. Oddly, these stains were resistant to tooth decay.
Dr. Black began to suspect the water and after advising the town leaders to abandon a nearby pipeline and begin using a local spring instead, the young children began forming normal looking teeth.
1931
The US Public Health Service and Dr. Black sent samples to the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) for testing after Dr. Black discovered another nearby town that had the same issue.
Originally the chief chemist of ALCOA sent the sample back and demanded another, noting “Whoever heard of fluorides in water”.
The new samples also contained high amounts of fluoride and water-borne fluoride was determined to be the cause of the discoloration in the tooth enamel.
1944
In the 1930’s, Dr. H. Trendley Dean wanted to determine how much fluoride could be ingested without causing discoloration. He realized that the only way to determine this was with a study. Ten years later he got a break.
Grand Rapids, MI had decided to begin adding fluoride into their water system. Dean discovered that fluoride levels of up to 1.0 ppm didn’t cause discoloration.
By taking saliva samples, kids got the chance to spit in a cup and provide valuable research materials. The study allowed scientists to determine the safe levels of fluoride that could be used to prevent tooth decay and by the 1950’s teenagers were no longer regulated to extractions and dentures as their only treatment plan.
From brown teeth, to no teeth, to healthy teeth, the study of fluoridation is considered to be one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
While we get fluoride in our foods, raisins, wine, potatoes, and in many of our water systems. Our water here in Hamden will help prevent up to 25% of cavities, but it isn’t enough to keep decay at bay, especially in children.
Give us a call at (203) 248-0011 to make an appointment for your children to have them fluoridated and we’ll also recommend how to keep them that way between visits.