Which compound was added to Grand Rapids tap water in 1945 to reduce tooth decay in children?

Which compound was added to Grand Rapids tap water in 1945 to reduce tooth decay in children?

• A. Sodium fluoride
• B. Fluoride
• C. Sodium hexafluorosilicate
• D. Hexafluorosilicic acid

Answer: (A)

Fluoride in drinking water at low levels helps prevent tooth decay by promoting enamel remineralization and reducing enamel demineralization. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to add fluoride to its public water supply as part of a landmark study, using sodium fluoride to provide the fluoride ions. Sodium fluoride is a stable, easy-to-dose solid that dissolves readily in water, delivering the required fluoride ions precisely. Other fluoride-containing additives—such as sodium hexafluorosilicate or fluorosilicic acid—are used in different systems, but the Grand Rapids program specifically used sodium fluoride, which is why it’s the correct choice.

Fluoride in drinking water at low levels helps prevent tooth decay by promoting enamel remineralization and reducing enamel demineralization. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to add fluoride to its public water supply as part of a landmark study, using sodium fluoride to provide the fluoride ions. Sodium fluoride is a stable, easy-to-dose solid that dissolves readily in water, delivering the required fluoride ions precisely. Other fluoride-containing additives—such as sodium hexafluorosilicate or fluorosilicic acid—are used in different systems, but the Grand Rapids program specifically used sodium fluoride, which is why it’s the correct choice.