Fluoride in Drinking Water

Fluoride is added to drinking water sources in most North American cities and towns as a way to prevent cavities.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control has listed the municipal flouridation of drinking water as one of the top ten biggest public health achievements of the 20th Century.

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Fluoridated drinking water causes very low levels of fluoride in mouth in saliva. This coats the teeth with a protective film which helps to prevent tooth decay and also helps reduce the extent of tooth decay by enhancing levels of mineralization.

Studies have estimated that the inclusion of fluoride in water has reduced tooth decay by up to 40%! This is especially important in poor families who may not have access to dental care.

Controversy about Fluoride

Some people feel that putting any chemical into drinking water is inappropriate and feel that there are other sources for fluoride including toothpaste.

Others are concerned about children receiving excess fluoride due to its presence in tooth paste, mouth wash and drinking water.

Too much fluoride can cause developing teeth to have a mottled appearance.

Others are concerned about potential adverse effects of excess fluoride in our bodies due to its presence in water, bottled water and mouth and dental care products.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about fluoride, you may want to consider purchasing a water filter which will remove it from your drinking water. You may also want to purchase toothpaste which does not have added fluoride.

European countries seem to have attained an equivalent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay by simply adding fluoride to toothpaste and not fluoridating water.

Some people in North Amercia feel strongly enough to petition to have their city halt the addition of fluoride in their city water.

This is a controversial action. Opponents state that poor families in North America still do not have adequate access to adequate fluoride in dental care products and would be disadvantaged by such its removal from drinking water.

How To Remove Fluoride From Your Drinking Water

Water Distillers
These systems purify water by boiling and recondensing the steam. They are effective in removing fluoride but can be expensive to purchase and install.

Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems are effective in removing fluoride from water but are quite pricey and may not be an affordable choice for everyone.

Activated Alumina Defluoridation Filter Systems
This type of filter is inexpensive and effective. The down side is that the filters must be replaced fairly frequently.

Be aware that many commonly available water filters such as Pur and Brita do not remove fluoride!

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