Thirty-nine Iowa public water systems are exemplary in the way they maintain fluoridation levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Oct. 16 that the CDC recognized these water systems with its Water Fluoridation Quality Awards for maintaining fluoridation levels.

Of the 39 award recipients in the state, the Hygienic Laboratory provides fluoridation testing for 21. Iowa is one of 33 states with public water systems that were recognized for excellence in maintaining fluoridation levels throughout 2014. A total of 2,282 U.S. public water systems are awardees.

Research on the potential benefits of fluoride began in 1901. A few years later, the United States Public Health Service supported these studies that determined, when added to water, fluoride could help prevent tooth decay and an associated disease that caused teeth blackening. Through the decades, research by the National Institute of Health resulted in similar findings, further supporting the theory of dental benefits.

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Mich. became the first city to add fluoride to its municipal water system. Thirty years later, more than 200 million Americans drink water with fluoride, now commonly added also to toothpaste sold in the United States.

Additional information about fluoridation and public health is available on the CDC website.