Fluoride Day 2023: The 25th of January is Fluoride Day, and we’re here to help you celebrate in the best way possible. Do you know that it has been 120 years since the discovery of water-borne fluoride? Fluoride Day honours this chemical compound that has a significant impact on our lives.
HISTORY OF FLUORIDE DAY
Frederick McKay, a young dental student, established his dental practise in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1901. When he arrived, he was surprised to discover that the majority of the locals had crooked brown teeth. This was not understood by McKay. He combed through all of his dental books and literature but was unable to determine the cause of this anomaly. Numerous locals believed that the Colorado Brown Stain, a brown discoloration of the teeth, was caused by excessive meat consumption and substandard milk. McKay, however, knew that the reason was something else. McKay was determined to identify the root cause of this issue, so he began his research.
Dr. G.V. Black travelled to Colorado with McKay to determine the cause of the Colorado Brown Stain. Together, they made numerous discoveries. One of the two major discoveries was that locals with calcified teeth were not at risk for tooth discoloration, whereas young children with immature permanent teeth had a greater risk.
The second discovery was that the teeth of Colorado Brown Stain-affected individuals were resistant to decay. A few more years would be required to determine the causes of this phenomenon. The reports sent to Mckay by chemist H.V. Churchill and his assistant from the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) suggested that the water contained high levels of fluoride. Thus, McKay had found the solution. Studies later demonstrated that fluoride in water at cosmetically safe concentrations can prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride Day is observed annually on January 25 to raise awareness about how to use fluoride without causing harm to health. The exact origins of this holiday are unknown.
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FIVE FLUORIDE FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
- The thirteenth most abundant element in the environment is fluoride.
- Community fluoridation is among the most effective methods for preventing tooth decay in communities.
- Fluoride occurs naturally in foods such as raisins, lamb, carrots, and wine.
- When fluorine combines with minerals and soil, fluoride is produced.
- Fluoride is less reactive than fluorine, which is highly reactive.
