Bottled water may reduce fluoride

The connection between healthy teeth and fluoride has been carefully studied and researched. People who have used fluoridated water since birth have 60-70% fewer cavities and a lot less decay in their permanent teeth. Although most of us view bottled water as a healthy alternative to chemically treated water from municipal reservoirs, we could be losing a major source of fluoride. Fluoride is added to the water supply of many communities and has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. It bonds to growing teeth, making them far less prone to dental decay, and helps stop cavities in adult teeth by making the tooth structure stronger.

While fluoride levels in tap water are carefully monitored, suppliers of bottled water are not required to list the amount of fluoride contained in their product. Some brands contain no fluoride, some have fl uoride occurring naturally, and other bottlers add unspecified amounts of fluoride to their water. The optimum level of fluoride in water in a moderate climate is 1 part per million (ppm). In warmer or colder climates, the amount can be adjusted from 0.6 ppm to 1.2 ppm.

If our children drink bottled water frequently, their fluoride intake could be compromised. Regular consumers of bottled water who are at high risk for dental caries should consider sources such as toothpaste, mouthwash or fluoride supplements to protect their teeth.