David B. Ast

The Newburgh-Kingston caries fluorine study IV. Dental findings after six years of water fluoridation

Abstract It is the prevailing scientific opinion, as expressed by leading health organizations ∗ in this country, that the fluoridation of potable water to a concentration of 1 p.p.m. F. is a safe, beneficial, and practical public health procedure. This is based on: (1) a critical review of the available literature on fluoride compounds and the effects of ingested fluorides on both man and animal; (2) on the data obtained from the carefully controlled studies such as the Newburgh-Kingston, Grand Rapids-Muskegon, and the Evanston studies; (3) on the vital statistics from naturally fluoridated areas in which considerable numbers of persons have lived for generations as compared with the vital statistics from fluoride-free areas. Many fluoride-deficient communities throughout the United States have already initiated programs to correct this deficiency. As of Sept. 15, 1952, according to a current report8 from the United States Public Health Service, 427 communities serving a population of 8 1 2 million persons are now practicing water fluoridation. In addition, 299 communities serving 15,360,000 persons have approved this new public health procedure and should have fluoridation programs in operation shortly. Dentistry has added a new milestone in public health. With the expansion of water fluoridation programs it may be expected that dental caries will lose its dubious honor of being the most prevalent disease to which mankind is subject.