UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Last week the Michigan Department of Community Health gave out Fluoridation Equipment Grants to eleven cities in Michigan. The grant money was a donation from the Delta Dental Foundation.

The grant will go to updating old fluoride pumps at water treatment plants. Fluoride was first added to public drinking water back in the 960's. The first city in the world to have fluoridated water was Grand Rapids, Michigan. The results were impressive, there was a 60% reduction in cavities in children.

Fluoride protects against cavities by making the enamel harder so acid and bacteria can't penetrate the tooth and cause decay. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease.

It is important that the new pumps work well because too much fluoride can have a negative effect. Dental fluorosis is too much fluoride in the diet and can cause streaks and mottling on teeth. However, too little fluoride in the diet causes weak enamel, scientists have found the perfect balance of .7 parts per million.

Heat doesn't effect the fluoride so if you use the water to make your tea or coffee, you will still receive the healthy benefits.

ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - You can't see it, smell it or taste it but it will help keep you healthy. Find out what is in our drinking water on Meridian Magazine