FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

contain no . When is treated before The facts about it is bottled, fluoride may be lost. For example, many popular brands of bottled water undergo bottled water reverse osmosis or distillation. These treatments remove all of the fluoride from the water. How can you make sure you and your family— especially children—are getting the right amount he human body is made up mostly of of fluoride protection in bottled water? Check the water and depends on water to keep label for fluoride content. The U.S. Food and Drug organs and systems functioning prop- Administration’s current regulations do not erly. Water regulates body tempera- require bottled water companies to indicate fluo- ture, helps remove waste, cushions the ride content on bottled water labels, unless it has Tjoints and transports nutrients and to bil- been added to the water. lions of cells. Increasing water intake sometimes Contact the company if the fluoride content is can help alleviate a condition called dry mouth, or not shown on the label and ask what level of fluo- xerostomia. And water that contains an adequate ride the water contains. Amounts of fluoride are amount of fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and the same whether they are reported in parts per builds strong teeth. million or milligrams per liter. To help prevent Health experts generally recommend con- tooth decay, water should contain 0.7 to 1.2 ppm suming eight to 10 cups of water a day. The of fluoride. One ppm is equal to 1 mg/L. Consider: amount may vary based on body size, physical dHow much bottled water do you (or family activity and exposure to hot weather. members) consume each day? More health-conscious consumers are sipping dIs bottled water also used for meal preparation bottled water. Some even forgo fluoridated tap and added to canned or powdered soups, juices water in their homes for costly bottled water. A and other drinks? recent study shows that Americans consumed dIs another source of used more than 5 billion gallons of bottled water in during the day, such as an optimally fluoridated 2000, more than double the amount from a community water supply at day care, school or decade earlier. Some predict that bottled water work? soon may become the nation’s second most pop- Don’t overlook your home water treatment sys- ular beverage after soft drinks. tems, such as reverse osmosis and distillation If bottled water is your main source of drinking units, which may remove the fluoride from water water, you could be missing the decay-preventive supplies. It’s a good idea to look at the manual for benefits of fluoride, a naturally occurring these devices or to contact the manufacturer if you that helps prevent tooth decay. can’t determine their effect on fluoride levels. is a community health Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation measure that is recognized widely for its role in with The Journal of the American Dental Association. Unlike other preventing tooth decay. In areas where natural portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Pub- fluoride occurs in water below the optimal level, lishing Division. Any other use, copying or distribution, whether in many communities add a minute amount of fluo- printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written ride to the water supply to make certain that resi- consent of the ADA Publishing Division. dents receive the benefits of fluoride. “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion While the fluoride content of bottled water between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not sub- varies greatly, the vast majority of bottled stitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual do not contain optimal levels of fluoride. Some patient’s needs and desires.

JADA, Vol. 134, September 2003 1287

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