The Role and History of Fluoride in Public Water Systems

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has been added to drinking water in the United States for nearly 80 years to help prevent tooth decay. The practice began in the early 1900s when researchers observed that communities with higher levels of fluoride naturally present in their water had lower rates of dental decay. This led to the formal recommendation and implementation of fluoridation, with Grand Rapids, Michigan being one of the first cities to adopt this measure in the 1940s. Today, approximately 62% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water, as it is widely recognized for its significant role in enhancing dental health, particularly for children.