1. Do any bottled water brands contain fluoride?

Yes. There are over 20 companies that produce fluoridated brands of bottled water currently available to consumers today. As a matter of fact, some of these brands are sold nationwide in stores like Walmart, and some members of IBWA will even ship their fluoridated brands nationwide.

2. How can a consumer tell how much fluoride is in their bottled water?

Consumers interested in the specific amount of fluoride in a product, if it is not on the label, can get that information by contacting individual companies directly.

3. Who regulates the amount of fluoride allowed in bottled water?

Since bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is the FDA that sets the limit as to the amount of fluoride that bottlers are allowed to add to their products according to 21 CFR § 165.110 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Bottled water packaged in the U.S., to which no fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of the levels in Table 1* and these levels are based on the annual average of maximum daily air temperatures at the location where the bottled water is sold at retail. Imported bottled water, to which no fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of 1.4 milligrams per liter. Bottled water packaged in the U.S., to which fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of levels in Table 2** and these levels are based on the annual average of maximum daily air temperatures at the location where the bottled water is sold at retail.

4. Is all tap water fluoridated?

Fluoridation of municipal tap water is generally voluntary at the state or community level, although a handful of states such as California and Illinois have mandated the practice. According to the most recent survey done by the American Water Works Association, only 65.8 percent of municipal systems fluoridate their water.

5. Who regulates the amount of fluoride allowed in tap water?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public water supplies and it requires that fluoride not exceed a concentration of 4.0 milligrams per liter in drinking water. This is an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and it has been established to protect the public health.

6. Can too much fluoride be bad for children's teeth?

Federal law also requires that public water supplies notify their customers when monitoring indicates that the fluoride in drinking water exceeds 2.0 milligrams per liter. Some children exposed to levels of fluoride greater than 2.0 milligrams per liter may develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth.

7. What should parents do if they are concerned about their children's teeth?

The important thing for parents to look at is how much fluoride their children are getting as part of their regular diet. The best thing for a concerned parent to do would be to contact their dentist or pediatrician for their recommendation.

8. What does the American Dental Association recommend?

According to the American Dental Association: "Fluoride alone cannot prevent all dental diseases. Be sure to brush and floss daily. Eat nutritious foods and snacks low in sugar. See your dentist regularly. You can enjoy a healthy smile for life."
(ADA 1991 brochure: Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay)

9. What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural element found at varying concentrations in all drinking water and in the soil. It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace amounts in the body.

*TABLE 1

 
 **TABLE 2

 
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If consumers have any questions, they may call 1-800-WATER-11.

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