Does bottled water give me sufficient amounts of fluoride?
The popularity of bottled water has surged in recent years. In 2000, according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, annual per capita consumption of bottled water in the United States was 18.3 gallons. This year, they expect that figure to reach roughly 25 gallons per person.
The American Dental Association has determined, however, that most bottled waters do not contain optimal levels of fluoride. Optimal levels range from 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. The ADA has for decades supported fluoridation programs for water supplies. Fluoride at optimal levels helps prevent tooth decay. All ground and surface water in the United States contains some naturally occurring fluoride. And the ADA has supported efforts to add fluoride to drinking supplies when necessary to raise the parts-per-million number to at least 0.7 ppm.
If you are a bottled water drinker, examine the label on your favorite product and talk to your dentist about whether you are getting enough fluoride and how you may be able to supplement your diet if you're not.