Most of us know that drinking fluoridated water helps reduce the risk of cavities. But many questions remain. Can I get too much fluoride? Here in Arizona, most of us drink some type of filtered water. If so, does that mean I don't get enough fluoride? We hope to clarify some of the murky water surrounding this issue. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have made recommendations on the fluroide ion level in drinking water based on age. In addition, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine provides age related recommendations based on age and gender. For example, for an adult female over the age of 19, adequate intake is considered to be between 3 - 10 mg per day..
1. Flouridated Water
info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T
480.785.9191
Drinking Fluoridated Water
Most of us know that drinking fluoridated water helps
reduce the risk of cavities. But many questions remain. Can
I get too much fluoride? Here in Arizona, most of us drink
some type of filtered water. If so, does that mean I don't
get enough fluoride? We hope to clarify some of the murky
water surrounding this issue. The American Dental
Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have made
recommendations on the fluroide ion level in drinking water
based on age. In addition, the Food and Nutrition Board of
the Institute of Medicine provides age related
recommendations based on age and gender. For example,
for an adult female over the age of 19, adequate intake is COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
considered to be between 3 - 10 mg per day.. COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry
2. Flouridated Water
info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T
480.785.9191
The ADA Recommends
The ADA recommends that the community water supply be
between .7 - 1.2 mg per liter. The community water supply in
Phoenix ranges between .38 - .73 mg per liter. So an adult female
in Phoenix could drink between 2.1 liters - 12 liters of tap water
per day to comply with standard recommendations. Obviously,
that is quite a range.
But what if she is drinking filtered water? Well, it depends.
Research findings indicate that:
Steam distillation removed 100% of the fluoride content.
Water softeners do not significantly remove fluoride from water.
Charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
Reverse osmosis removed 65-95% of fluoride. COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry
3. Flouridated Water
info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T
480.785.9191
How Huch Fluoride
How much fluoride is actually removed depends on a variety of
factors, such is if the system is being maintained, water
pressure, etc. It is not practical nor advisable to test your
water daily or measure your intake to ensure a pressie
consumption of fluoride. It is advisable to consume fluoridated
water as well as use a fluoridated toothpaste as a means to
prevent cavities. Children and adults may be offered a fluoride
treatment as part of their 6 month check-up at the dentist. To
see if the water you drink regularly is fluoridated, you may
need to do a little research. You can contact the local or state
health department, the manufacturer of your home water
filtering system, or the supplier of your favorite bottled water.
Ask the range of fluoridation in the water supply they provide. COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry
4. Flouridated Water
info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T
480.785.9191
You Drink Regularly
Again, the ADA recommends the fluoride in water
supply be between .7 - 1.2 mg per liter. If you learn
that the water you drink regularly is not fluoridated,
you could be losing the preventative effects of
optimally fluoridated water. If your family falls into
this category, as many of us do here in Phoenix, speak
with your dentist about how to make sure you and
your family are adequately protected.
COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry