On Mar. 24, 2025, LifeScienceHistory.com published the cartoon “Milestones in Fluoride” illustrating the facts behind the naturally occurring mineral, more common in some areas than others, depending upon the geology of area where you live.

Too much and you will experience fluorosis or mottled enamel disorder, first identified in 1901 by Frederick McKay in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he was astounded to find scores of residents with brown stains on their teeth.

Fluoride is an inorganic mineral that is naturally present in our water, soil, certain foods and health products, such as toothpaste.

Milestones in Fluoride illustrate the history of the mineral from the identification of fluorosis, its first use in a municipal water supply and research studies, to misinterpretation, conspiracy, and misplaced legislation.