The Secret of the Hollywood Smile, or What's Wrong with Drinking Water in the US

A person can live without food for several weeks. But without water - only 3-4 days. It is in civilized countries that the quality of this vital resource is under strict control. Before getting into the water supply, water undergoes mechanical and chemical purification. In the USA they decided to go even further, making water not only safe, but also useful, additionally enriching it with certain substances.

The first time tap water was treated in the United States was in the early 20th century. It was passed through a filter system and then disinfected with calcium chloride. This chemical compound effectively kills microorganisms, but it is not very healthy and gives the water a specific taste. Despite these shortcomings, for many decades this was the only way to treat drinking water.

In the 1940s, studies were conducted in the United States on the effects of fluoride on dental health. Scientists found that microdoses of fluoride significantly reduced the risk of caries, strengthened tooth enamel, and promoted the healing of microcracks. After numerous experiments, it was decided to add small doses of fluoride to drinking water from the central water supply.

Due to technicalities, the practice was not implemented until the 1960s. Since then, water fluoridation has become the norm throughout the United States. Fluoride not only has a beneficial effect on teeth, but also kills bacteria that are dangerous to humans. It successfully replaces chlorine, which is still used for this purpose.

Today, 75% of Americans drink fluoridated water daily. The remaining 25% use natural sources of fresh water. Regular polls show that the vast majority of US citizens either support such “modification” of water or are indifferent to it.

Over the years, many theories have emerged about adding fluoride to water. One of the most popular claims that it is a way for the US government to take care of people from lower social classes who cannot afford proper dental care or treatment.

Some even claim that fluoride in water is the secret of the famous Hollywood smile. But most often, it is migrants and foreigners who believe this. White and even teeth are almost always the merit of dentists, not the chemical element. There are also conspiracy theories, among which one can single out the story about the lobby of chemical and aluminum concerns. Allegedly, industrialists benefit from fluoridation of water, since their production waste is used for this.

Another theory claims that adding fluoride to water is part of a program to subjugate the common population by elites. According to this version, high doses of fluoride cause dementia, while small amounts added to drinking water supposedly suppress people's will, making them more obedient and apathetic.

The fears of the supporters of these theories are actively picked up by politicians. In the election speeches of senators and even presidents, promises to "deal with the fluorine conspiracy" and protect the interests of ordinary Americans are often heard. However, as often happens, things do not go beyond loud statements.

In recent years, the dosage of fluoride in water has been reduced from 1.2 mg/l to 0.5-0.7 mg/l. The reason is not conspiracy theories, but the recommendations of scientists. Today, fluoride is contained in many toothpastes, mouthwashes, and even baby food. And an excess of this substance can lead to fluorosis, a disease that damages tooth enamel.

What do you think about water fluoridation? Do you think this practice is beneficial, or does it do more harm than good? Share your opinion in the comments!