If You're Listening What's the deal with fluoride?
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Dec 24, 2025 Explore the fascinating history of fluoride in drinking water and its impact on dental health since the 1940s. Discover the whirlwind of misinformation surrounding fluoridation and the surprising opposition it has faced, especially with recent political movements. Delve into the Grand Rapids experiment that changed dental care forever and the societal backlash against fluoridation in Australia. Hear about the pervasive influence of conspiracy theories and the potential dental implications of banning fluoride in modern society.
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A Generation Who Lost Their Teeth
- Matt Bevan recounts that poor dental health used to be so common people often had all their teeth removed.
- He shares his grandfather's 21st birthday present of dentures to illustrate how widespread tooth loss once was.
Tiny Dose, Big Dental Gains
- Small amounts of fluoride in water (about 1 ppm) dramatically reduced tooth decay after Grand Rapids' 1945 trial.
- Fluoridation was cheap, effective and scalable, delivering lifelong dental benefits at minimal cost.
Fluorosis Led To A Protective Discovery
- Frederick McKay found that high natural fluoride caused mottled but decay-resistant teeth, revealing a protective effect.
- This led to identifying an optimal 'fluoride balance' that protects enamel without causing fluorosis.