Although the advertisements about the health benefits of drinking bottled water instead of tap water, their actual health benefits are hard to verify. Are children - and adults – better off with bottled water, or is filtering the tap water sufficient? The answer is not a simple Yes or No, but rather: It Depends. One of the main concerns, besides the removal of impurities and the microorganisms in bottled or filtered water, is how much fluoride is present in the average daily consumption of our drinking water.

If the bottled water that a child consumes does not contain fluoride, then it should not be the primary source of drinking water. The American Dental Association warns that such children could miss the preventive effects of optimally fluoridated municipal water, unless their diets are otherwise carefully supplemented with adequate fluoride. Although fluoridated toothpastes are an additional important source, the amount that enters the system is very difficult to monitor and regulate.

All children, especially those under the age of six, need adequate fluoride to help their teeth develop healthy and strong enamel, and to protect them against tooth decay. Too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, which may cause pitting of the enamel, or the appearance of chalky, white speckling of the tooth surfaces. In some cases, streaky brown stains appear in the developing teeth of youngsters. Having adequate fluoride in the diet by itself is not a guarantee against cavities. A well-balanced, healthy and nutritious diet, low in refined sugars and starches, and high in fruits and vegetables, is a key element in maintaining proper dental health. However, proper brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist for oral hygiene maintenance and regular checkups are also essential. Our doctors and hygienists at Watergate Dental Associates can evaluate whether your diet and the daily dental health routines are adequately protecting your teeth and gums.

What is the recommended optimal fluoride level in our drinking water?

Although the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stipulates that no more than 4ppm (parts per million) of fluoride should be present in the drinking water, the optimal range is 0.7 – 1.2ppm, which should offer adequate level of fluoride for protection from the drinking water source. Many popular bottled water brands do not add the proper amount of fluoride to their products, unlike most urban or metropolitan public water sources. According to the International Bottled Water Association, Shenandoah Valley, Mountain Park Springs and Culligan bottled waters are fluoridated. BRITA claims that its tap water filters do not remove fluoride from the water. To be certain that your filters or your bottled water supply adequate fluoride, call the 800 number that the companies provide for consumer inquiries.