The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW), in partnership with the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA), is recognizing National Fluoride Day, which occurred on Sunday, Jan. 25, by highlighting the proven role fluoride plays in preventing tooth decay and supporting lifelong oral health.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most water sources that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Its public health benefits were first recognized more than a century ago, after researchers discovered that naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water significantly reduced tooth decay.

“Oral health is closely connected to overall health,” says Dawn Marie Strehl, Regional Oral Health Supervisor for HDNW. “Preventing cavities helps reduce pain, infection, speech challenges, nutritional issues, and impacts to self-esteem—especially for children.”

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the world to add fluoride to its public water supply. After 11 years, cavity rates among Grand Rapids children dropped by more than 60 percent, making it one of the most significant public health advancements in dental care history.

Today, major health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) support community water fluoridation at a level of 0.7 parts per million (ppm). This level has been shown to safely and effectively reduce tooth decay.

Managing Your Family’s Fluoride Exposure
HDNW recommends the following steps to support healthy teeth at every age:

• • Use fluoride toothpaste (a smear for children under three, pea-sized for children ages three and older)
  • Ask your dentist about fluoride supplements if your water is not fluoridated
  • Test private well water regularly for natural fluoride levels

Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially for young children who are still developing good oral hygiene habits. Many health insurance plans cover fluoride varnish for children ages five and younger at no cost, helping families access this important preventive service.

To learn more about oral health services for children, click here. Visit dentalclinicsnorth.org for all adult oral health care needs. To stay updated on the most recent health news, subscribe to our monthly newsletter by clicking here.