Fluoride In Well Water Michigan

As with some other countries water fluoridation in the united states is a contentious issue.

Fluoride in well water michigan.

On january 25 1945 grand rapids michigan became the first community in the united states to fluoridate its drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Grand rapids mi grand rapids was the first city in the country to add fluoride to its drinking water in an attempt to fight tooth decay. When subsequent studies showed a significantly lower rate of cavities in schoolchildren water fluoridation spread to other towns and cities. For three quarters of a century community water fluoridation has been a major factor in reducing rates of tooth decay in the united states.

Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in a public water supply to a level known to make teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities. That year the city commission of grand rapids michigan after numerous discussions with researchers from the phs the. In the 1940s scientists discovered that people who lived where drinking water supplies had naturally occurring fluoride levels of approximately 1 part fluoride per million parts. This can occur naturally or by adding fluoride.

Seventy five years later the west michigan city is. Cities had water fluoridation. Public health service by. As of may 2000 42 of the 50 largest u s.

Fluorides are present naturally in water and soil at varying levels. Fluoridated water operates on tooth surfaces. In the mouth it creates low levels of fluoride in saliva which reduces the rate at which tooth enamel. Dean wondered whether adding fluoride to drinking water at physically and cosmetically safe levels would help fight tooth decay.

This hypothesis dean told his colleagues would need to be tested in 1944 dean got his wish. Fluoridation became an official policy of the u s. This award is given to communities who have continuously provided the public health benefit of fluoridated water to it s residents for 50 years. Fluoridation is considered part of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century and michiganders can be proud of the fact that it started right here in grand rapids 73 years ago.

In 1945 grand rapids michigan became the first community in the world to add fluoride to tap water.