In the 1950s, Massachusetts residents began to grapple with community water fluoridation: the idea of adding the mineral to municipal drinking water supply in effort to prevent cavities and limit oral health disparities. Untreated oral health issues can lead to infection, impaired growth and weight gain for children, and other concerns related to quality of life.
'Fluoridationists'- including revered nutritionist and academic Dr. Jean Mayer, who lived in Sudbury for a time - advocated its benefits. Proponents noted the cost-effectiveness at improving oral health for the entire community -- not solely those who had limited access to oral health care. Those who opposed municipal fluoridation cited personal liberty and questioned the strength of the science surrounding its benefits.
In Sudbury, like in many towns, the debate was heated. A local historian recounts key aspects of the challenge to approve and operationalize the decision:
"The matter came to a head...Debate was quickly cut off and the fluoridation concept was approved 89-53. There was a mad rush for the door following the vote and the remaining articles on the warrant could not be considered for lack of a quorum... Suddenly, the District found itself with an authorization to use fluoride, but no equipment with which to carry it out..."
After the Water Commissioner's request for funding was narrowly defeated in May, a special meeting was called for November to take up the issue again. This time, funding was appropriated to purchase the necessary equipment.
"Fluoridation equipment was finally installed at Sudbury's three pumping stations just three months later. The controversy was over, but... there are still people in town who wonder, "Did we do the right thing?"
As of 2025, many, but not all, MetroWest towns have adopted community fluoridation according to the state website. Drinking water fluoridation was listed as one of the top ten great public health achievements of the 20th century in the United States.
Excerpt from Chapter 20 - Garfield, Curtis. (1998). Sudbury, 1890-1989, 100 years in the life of a Town. Porcupine Enterprises. Accessed online on 11/7/2025 via the Sudbury Legacy website