My dentist found 8 cavities: Fluoridation

In 1944, Dr. David Ast began a ten-year landmark case study in two New York towns about the effects of fluoridating a town’s water supply. His conclusion: fluoridation reduced cavities in children by 60 – 70%, without significantly changing the rates of cancer, birth defects, heart disease, or kidney disease. He then became a prominent advocate for fluoridating New York City’s water supply; fluoridation started there in 1965.

As a boy born in New York City in 1957, I still remember the time my dentist found 8 cavities during a single exam. Luckly, all but one were in baby teeth. Fluoridated water and toothpaste came just in time--no more cavities.

A great big pearly white smile for Dr. Ast’s memory! He died two weeks ago at age 104.

Advice: When you learn of solid research results which are supported by other studies, be a public health advocate. Share the new knowledge—it could put a great smile on your son’s face.

Source: Obituary by Jeremy Pearce in the NY Times, Feb. 23.