Has your dentist ever applied fluoride to your teeth during a checkup or cleaning? This topical treatment can help remineralize your enamel, which boosts your smile’s ability to resist cavities and injuries. Some cities even include this essential ingredient in public sources of water to improve the population’s dental health.

But have you ever wondered why or how fluoride came to be included as a standard part of dental checkups, or if it’s safe to be added to drinking water? Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating history of fluoride and the discovery of its dental benefits!