Fluoride was first introduced to municipal water in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This resulted in a significant reduction in cavities among school children, leading to widespread adoption of water fluoridation to promote oral health. Currently, approximately 75 percent of homes in the United States receive fluoridated water.
While fluoride has clear benefits for dental health, concerns about its potential adverse effects have sparked debate. This article aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride, how to determine if your water contains fluoride, and options to remove it if desired.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a compound formed from the element fluorine, found naturally in your teeth, bones, water, rocks, and soil. It plays a crucial role in dental care, as it helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent cavities.
Why is fluoride added to water?
Fluoride is incorporated into the water supply due to its efficacy in preventing cavities and promoting overall oral health. Although fluoride naturally occurs in nearly all water sources, the concentration is often too low to significantly impact dental health. Therefore, many communities adjust the fluoride levels to approximately 0.7 milligrams per liter, which has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the optimal concentration for preventing tooth decay in both children and adults.
The practice of community water fluoridation began after scientists discovered that individuals in regions with naturally high fluoride levels experienced fewer cavities. Grand Rapids, Michigan was the first city to add fluoride to its water supply in 1945. This initiative was highly successful in enhancing the oral health of its residents, leading to the widespread adoption of water fluoridation across the United States. Today, about 75 percent of U.S. households receive fluoridated water, thanks to these foundational efforts and ongoing support from public health organizations.
What are safe levels of fluoride in drinking water?
Safe levels of fluoride in drinking water are essential for maintaining optimal water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established that up to 4.0 mg/L of fluoride is safe for drinking water from public systems. Despite this, the recommended level for drinking water is significantly lower at 0.7 mg/L. This amount is considered optimal for preventing tooth decay. Exceeding 0.7 mg/L, particularly in children, heightens the risk of dental fluorosis, a condition marked by discolored teeth.
What are the Side Effects of Fluoride in Water?
Benefits of Fluoride in Water
- Fewer and Less Severe Cavities: Community water fluoridation is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of cavities in both children and adults.
- Rebuilding Tooth Enamel: Fluoride helps to remineralize and strengthen weakened tooth enamel, protecting against further decay.
- Early Decay Reversal: Early stages of tooth decay can be reversed with the adequate presence of fluoride.
- Prevention of Harmful Bacteria: Fluoride inhibits the growth of harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and other dental issues.
- Reduced Need for Dental Procedures: With fewer cavities and healthier teeth, there is less need for fillings and tooth extractions.
Risks of Fluoride in Water
- Dental Fluorosis: This cosmetic condition is marked by discoloration and staining of teeth due to frequent fluoride exposure during teeth-forming years. It is most common in children and infants whose teeth are still developing.
- Skeletal Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride accumulation in bones can lead to skeletal fluorosis, characterized by joint pain, muscle weakness, and rigid bones.
- Hypothyroidism: High levels of fluoride exposure can potentially contribute to hypothyroidism, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and increased sensitivity to cold.
- Reduced IQ Scores: Some studies suggest that elevated fluoride exposure may be linked to lower IQ scores in children, although this remains a topic of ongoing research.
Using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash can also contribute to overall oral health without significantly increasing the risk of these conditions, provided they are used appropriately.
How to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water
Reverse Osmosis
Using reverse osmosis involves pushing water through a semipermeable membrane under pressure. This membrane has tiny pores that allow only water molecules to pass, trapping contaminants such as fluoride. As a result, you get clean and filtered water free from fluoride and other impurities. Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective, often removing 90-99% of fluoride from water.
Distillation
Distillation purifies water much like natural processes. In this method, water is heated until it turns into steam. This steam, free of fluoride and other contaminants that cannot evaporate, is then condensed back into liquid form. The resulting water is pure and free from most contaminants, including fluoride. Setting up a water distiller at home is straightforward and provides an effective solution for fluoride removal.
Activated Alumina Filters
Activated alumina is a specialized filtration medium made from aluminum oxide. When water flows through an activated alumina filter, fluoride is adsorbed by the porous granules. However, these filters are most effective when the water has a pH between 5 and 6. The contact time between water and the alumina granules also needs to be prolonged, which can slow down the filtration process. Maintaining these filters involves regular replacement cartridges to ensure effective fluoride removal.
Bone Char Carbon Filters
Bone char carbon filters derive from animal bones that have been heated to high temperatures. These filters are particularly effective at removing fluoride due to enhanced adsorption abilities. When water passes through a bone char carbon filter, fluoride and even heavy metals like lead are absorbed, resulting in cleaner water. Unlike standard activated carbon filters, bone char filters are specifically designed for removing fluoride and offer an added benefit of reducing chlorine levels. This makes them a versatile option for fluoride and other contaminant removal.
Fluoride removal methods vary in both efficiency and complexity, allowing you to choose the best method for your needs. Whether it's through reverse osmosis, distillation, activated alumina, or bone char carbon filters, each method provides a viable solution to ensure safer drinking water.
Does boiling water remove fluoride?
No, boiling water does not remove fluoride. As water evaporates during boiling, the concentration of fluoride actually increases.
Do Brita filters remove fluoride?
No, Brita filters do not remove fluoride. These filters are not effective at reducing fluoride levels in your water.
Is your water fluoridated?
To determine if your water supply includes fluoride, check with your municipal water supplier or use the CDC’s My Water's Fluoride online tool. The choice to add fluoride is made by individual cities, influenced by water treatment standards and public health guidelines. Both your water provider and the CDC tool can inform you about the fluoride levels in your water. This is crucial for understanding the presence of other impurities and contaminants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Is Fluoride in Bottled Water?
Fluoride can be present in bottled water depending on the brand and the original source. Some brands use municipal water supplies, which may be fluoridated. Whether the fluoride is naturally present or added by a municipality, it's important to check the label. Brands are required to list fluoride only if it's added during the bottling process.
Key Points:
- Source Matters: Municipal water may already contain fluoride.
- Label Checking: Fluoride is listed on the label only if added during bottling.
- Brand Inquiry: Contact your preferred brand for specific details.
Keep in mind, the presence of fluoride in bottled water can vary, so checking each product individually is crucial to ensure it meets your needs.