In the early 20th century, a surprising discovery was made in some parts of the United States.
People living in areas with naturally high levels of fluoride in the water had fewer cavities.
This observation led to a shift in how water was treated, and in 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the U.S. to add fluoride to its drinking water to protect dental health, writes Historienet.
Now, 80 years later, nearly three out of four Americans drink water with fluoride, according to health officials.
The idea of adding fluoride to water began in the early 1900s when American dentists noticed the correlation between high fluoride levels and fewer dental issues.
Over the next few decades, studies confirmed the benefits, and in the 1950s, many cities followed Grand Rapids' example and began adding fluoride to their water supplies.
This initiative was seen as a groundbreaking move for public health. Early results showed positive outcomes, with fewer people developing cavities.
Fluoride in water became widely accepted by health officials and dental professionals as an important part of maintaining oral health.
However, the practice has not been without controversy. Critics argue that long-term exposure to fluoride may lead to health problems.
While dentists and public health authorities continue to support its use, some people are concerned about the potential risks of too much fluoride.
Research in recent years has raised questions about fluoride's impact on bone health and children's development.
A study conducted by the University of Southern Denmark in 2023 suggested that excessive fluoride exposure could harm brain development in children.
As a result, some American cities have started removing fluoride from their water.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health, has voiced opposition to the continued use of fluoride in drinking water.
In parts of Western Europe, including certain regions of Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, fluoride is still added to the water supply, though the practice remains debated in many areas.
