Fluoride In Water: What You Need To Know
Fluoride, while naturally occurring, has also been commonly added to our water supply for over 70 years. Learn more about why, the pros and cons of fluoride, and how Kinetico can help ensure the levels found in your water are safe.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in various amounts in soil, water, and foods. It is commonly added to public water supplies to help reduce the incidence of tooth decay, particularly in children, a practice supported by numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 73% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water, a practice that began in the 1940s.
Health Impacts of Fluoride
When present in the right amount, fluoride is beneficial for dental health, particularly in preventing cavities; however, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, which manifests as white spots or streaks on teeth, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. In very high concentrations, prolonged exposure to fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, leading to pain and damage in bones and joints.
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Sources of Fluoride in Water
Fluoride can enter your water supply from:
Natural Sources: Rocks and soil that contain fluoride can leach into groundwater.
Municipal Water Treatment: Many public water systems add fluoride to water supplies to promote dental health.
Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities can release fluoride into the environment.
Fluoride and Dental Health
The fluoridation of water began in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This public health measure significantly reduced dental cavities among children. In fact, studies have shown that communities with fluoridated water experience a 25% reduction in cavities among children and adults compared to those without. Besides water fluoridation, fluoride is also commonly found in dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. These products help in providing a topical application of fluoride, which is effective in preventing tooth decay.
With fluoridated water supplies and fluoride in dental products, many people wonder how much fluoride they are being exposed to and how much is too much. Others prefer to drink water without any fluoride.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Fluoride
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water at 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The Public Health Service recommends a lower level of 0.7 mg/L to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay and minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis. But even if your water meets this standard, you might wonder: is this amount right for you and your family?
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Long-Term Trends and Concerns
Recent discussions around fluoride have raised questions about long-term exposure and its cumulative effects. Ongoing research aims to better understand these impacts and ensure public health measures provide maximum benefits with minimal risks.
Treatment Options for Reducing Fluoride
To reduce the level of fluoride in your water, consider the following treatment options:
Kinetico Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Our RO systems, including the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station and the AquaKinetic A200 Drinking Water System, are highly effective in significantly reducing fluoride levels. Many people concerned about fluoride intake choose RO systems to eliminate fluoride from their drinking water.
Understanding System Differences: It is important to note that not all drinking water filtration systems are certified to remove fluoride. Most carbon filtration systems, like those found in refrigerators, do not reduce fluoride from water.
Fluoride Supplements for Dental Health
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to have some form of fluoride every day. If your child's main source of tap water is not fluoridated or you’ve installed a system to remove contaminants such as fluoride from water, ask your child's healthcare provider or dentist about fluoride supplements. These supplements can help ensure your child receives the necessary fluoride for dental health, even if the drinking water is fluoride-free.
Why Choose Kinetico?
At Kinetico, we are dedicated to providing high-quality water treatment solutions. Our systems are non-electric, efficient, and reliable, designed to tackle a wide range of water quality issues, including fluoride. With Kinetico, you can be confident that your water is treated to meet high safety standards.
Understanding fluoride levels in your water is essential for making informed decisions about your water quality and health. We encourage you to do your due diligence in researching and understanding what you want in your water. Kinetico offers a variety of advanced water treatment solutions to meet your needs and preferences.
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