Celebrating 75 Years of Fluoridated Water

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Every year, the dental community chooses a topic related to children’s dental health to focus on. 2020’s theme is fluoridated water. You may not be aware of it, but if you’re living in the United States, there’s a good chance you’re drinking water everyday that’s been purposefully fluoridated to help support your oral health.

Public Water Fluoridation Began in 1945

Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first community in American to begin fluoridating its water supply. This decision meant that every man, woman, and child in the region who drank water that came from their tap would benefit from the tooth decay-fighting effects of fluoride. By 1951, the U.S. Public Health Service adopted fluoridated water as an official policy. Today, most communities in America fluoridate their water.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoridated Water?

For starters, it reduces tooth decay by 25%, according to the American Dental Association. In some studies, this figure has been shown to be even greater. Fluoridated water has had a major impact on the overall dental health of Americans, acting as an equalizer for individuals of all financial stata. Greater resistance to tooth decay has helped citizens retain more of their natural teeth, cutting down on the amount of money spent on fillings and other treatments.

Endorsed by Major Organizations

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named public water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Though the inclusion of fluoride is not without its critics, a majority of experts stand by this practice, including the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.

If you’re looking for a dentist or orthodontist in Lombard, our office is conveniently located on Butterfield Road in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!