Fluoridate

/ˈflʊərɪdeɪt/ verb

Definition

To add fluoride to water supplies or other substances, typically to improve dental health by preventing tooth decay.

Etymology

From 'fluoride' plus the suffix '-ate', creating a verb meaning 'to treat with or add fluoride to something'.

Kelly Says

Water fluoridation starting in 1945 was one of the greatest public health achievements—it reduced tooth decay by about 25% worldwide—but it's also one of the most debated health policies because some people worry about adding chemicals to drinking water.

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