On January 25, 1945, Grand Rapids became the first community in the world to reduce tooth decay by adding fluoride to its water supply. Before water fluoridation, many people lost all of their teeth at an early age, and recruits were often rejected for service in World War II because of tooth loss caused by uncontrolled cavities. Water fluoridation was the first step in restoring good oral health for the nation and the world, and it decreased cavities by up to 65%. Grand Rapids' pioneering advance in public health spread worldwide, improving health and alleviating needless pain and suffering.