Solving the mystery of the Colorado Brown Stain.

The life and work of Dr. Frederick S. McKay in solving the mystery of the Colorado Brown Stain changed the objectives of restorative and preventive dentistry. McKay was an intellectually diversified man whose personal interests ranged from economics to opera. Professionally his strong commitment to research led to dedicate thirty years of his life to the search for the mysterious agent that caused the Colorado Brown Stain which mottled but also produced caries-free teeth. His discovery of fluoride in drinking water and its effect on enamel was a critical breakthrough in understanding the etiology and prevention of dental caries. This discovery is the foundation for water fluoridation which is the single most effective public health measure to inhibit tooth decay.