The Discovery of Fluoride and Its Impact

A dentist named Fred McKay noticed unusual dental stains among his Colorado Springs patients in the early 1900s, which were later linked to high naturally occurring fluoride levels in the local water supply. This finding led to the idea of adding artificial fluoride to other water supplies, aiming to replicate the benefits seen in McKay's patients. The introduction of fluoridated water became one of public health's notable achievements, significantly reducing children's cavity rates. However, this initiative sparked numerous conspiracy theories and concerns about safety that have persisted over the decades.