When you think about visiting the dentist, fluoride often takes center stage — whether in toothpaste, treatments, or even your tap water! Indeed, the vast majority of dentists strongly advocate for the use of this mineral due to its power to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. But how did fluoride become such a superstar in the world of oral health? Let’s travel back in time and find out.
Strange Stains in Colorado
The story of fluoride began in 1901, when a dentist fresh out of school, Dr. Frederick McKay, set up his dental practice in Colorado Springs. He was puzzled to see so many people with brown-stained teeth. He regarded it as more than a cosmetic issue. Rather, he was intrigued by this phenomenon and was eager to know what was causing it.
In 1909, Dr. G.V. Black joined forces with Dr. McKay. Together, they investigated the strange brown stain that they dubbed “mottled teeth.” To their surprise, these stained teeth were highly resistant to cavities and decay, sparking even more intense curiosity.
Mottled Teeth Beyond Colorado
Mottled teeth were not exclusive to the Colorado Springs area. In 1923, Dr. McKay investigated similar staining in an Idaho town, and he was able to trace it back to local spring water. He advised the townspeople to stop using that water, and the stains became less common within a few years.
Later, McKay traveled to Bauxite, Arkansas, where many of the people there exhibited mottled teeth. The town was owned by the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). ALCOA’s chief chemist worked alongside McKay to analyze the local water and found that it was high in fluoride. Finally, he was making significant progress in his quest to unravel the mystery of mottled teeth.
Cracking the Code on Fluoride
Thanks to McKay’s persistence, the National Institute of Health started to look into fluoride. Researchers discovered that tiny amounts of fluoride would not stain teeth — but could there be a “just right” level for fighting cavities that would not cause cosmetic issues?
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city to add fluoride to its drinking water. The results? After 11 years, it was found that cavities in the town’s children had been reduced by more than 60%! The success inspired many other communities to follow suit, and towns across the nation began to see a drop in cavity diagnoses.
Fluoride in the Modern World
Today, fluoride is celebrated for its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Dental fluorosis—the modern name for those unsightly brown stains—is rare, thanks to careful monitoring of fluoride levels.
Today, fluoride is almost taken for granted, but that does not make it any less remarkable. The next time you brush your teeth or visit the dentist, you can be grateful for this amazing mineral.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Zac Young is the highly skilled dentist in our Palos Heights, IL, practice. He and our team love to work with patients and help them reduce their risk of cavities and other oral health problems. If you have questions about how you can support your smile’s well-being, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Revival Dentistry at 708-448-4161.