Town Without a Toothache
Hereford, Deaf Smith County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Hereford's "miracle water" was brought to national fame in 1941 when Dr. Edward Taylor, State Dental Officer, told the American Dental Association that tooth decay was almost unknown here. This ideal situation had been discovered by a local dentist, Dr. George Heard, originally from Alabama. In a cross-section survey, dentists found that few local people had dental cavities. Hereford's mineral-rich water and soil are thought to prevent tooth decay. Demand arose for Hereford water to be shipped all over the U.S. and to foreign nations. (1967)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1941 Hereford won national fame as the "Town Without a Toothache" when a state dental officer told the American Dental Association that tooth decay was nearly unknown there. The discovery, traced by local dentist Dr. George Heard, pointed to the area's mineral-rich water and soil, later understood to reflect naturally high fluoride levels. Demand grew to ship Hereford's "miracle water" across the country and abroad.
Why it matters
Hereford's remarkable teeth helped spotlight the link between fluoride and dental health, a discovery that would reshape public health through water fluoridation nationwide.
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Related people
- · George Heard
- · Edward Taylor
Themes & tags
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