B. Background: Perceptions and SimplificationsA number of misconceptions and oversimplifications frequently appear in the literature, and the discussion below is intended to address them. Some of the issues are the result of recent studies, laws, or regulations, but some basic issues resurface from time to time. In 1957, a paper called "The state of fluoride in drinking water" was published, addressing many of these cyclical issues. 3 Since that time, more experimental work has been done and the knowledge base is larger, but the message is apparently being lost as many of the key outcomes have not changed. Key points may be grouped into the following categories: drinking water regulation, standards for drinking water additives, fluoridation advocacy/ requirement, available fluoridation additives, testing,