Want to do something good for your smile? If you live in one of the many Michigan communities that fluoridates its water, just head over to your sink and pour yourself a big glass of cold tap water.

With every glass of fluoridated water you drink, you’re getting a healthy dose of nature’s cavity fighter. Proclaimed one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, community water fluoridation began right here in Grand Rapids in 1945.

Water fluoridation is simply the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride in your water supply to an amount that will protect against tooth decay. A range of between 0.7 parts per million and 1.2 parts per million, depending upon the geographic area, has been determined to be the optimal amount to prevent dental decay.

Since its introduction, fluoridation has proven to be a simple, inexpensive, safe and effective way to dramatically reduce the rate of tooth decay in children and adults. In fact, water fluoridation can reduce the amount of decay in children’s teeth by as much as 60 percent and adults by nearly 35 percent, providing a life-long health benefit.

It also helps keep dental health costs down. It’s estimated that every dollar spent on fluoridation saves more than $80 in preventive dental health costs.

So drink up. Your smile will thank you.