How to Filter Fluoride Out of Water

Water fluoridation, or adding fluoride into drinking water sources, is a controversial subject. Roughly 75% of public water systems in the United States have fluoridated water, which helps improve dental health. However, scientists have uncovered potential risks through greater research into fluoride consumption. These studies have prompted some homeowners to seek ways to remove fluoride from their water supply. Learning more about fluoride empowers you to make informed decisions concerning both your water and your health. 

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in bones, teeth, rocks, soil, plants, food, and water. It’s also commonly added to city water to help prevent tooth decay and support healthy tooth enamel. Fluoride works to improve oral health by making the tooth enamel more resistant to acids, sugars, bacteria, and plaque. These factors can eat away at the teeth’s outer protective layer, which can result in cavities and other dental issues. 

Why Is Fluoride Added to Water?

Adding fluoride to water is considered a public health measure aimed at reducing cavities and preserving tooth enamel. Though the mineral is naturally present in water, levels are typically too low to provide any significant oral health benefits. The first community water fluoridization trial began in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945. Ultimately, this experiment led to the widespread adoption of water fluoridation across the United States. 

According to the CDC, the recommended fluoride concentration in water is 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Panel experts suggest this concentration optimizes the benefits of fluoride while minimizing potential risks. If fluoride concentrations in community water supplies exceed 2 mg/L, the municipality must notify the public within 12 months. 

Benefits of Fluoride

The main benefit of fluoridated water is its ability to significantly improve dental health, particularly by reducing the incidence and severity of cavities. By strengthening the tooth enamel, fluoride makes the tooth’s outer shell less vulnerable to the effects of acid, sugars, bacteria, and plaque. Fluoride also remineralizes weakened tooth enamel, refortifying it to help prevent early tooth decay. In general, water fluoridation is a cost-effective health measure that provides preventive dental care to millions of people, which is particularly important for those who lack access to routine oral healthcare, and may reduce the need for fillings or tooth extractions. 

Disadvantages of Fluoride

While consuming low doses of fluoride is safe, higher doses could be harmful. One area of concern is the risk of overexposure, which can occur when fluoride levels exceed safe limits. (The EPA enforces a Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 mg/L.) Young children are particularly susceptible to overexposure, as their recommended intake is far lower than adults. Dental fluorosis is among the more common risks. This condition causes white spots or streaks to appear on the teeth. In more severe cases, prolonged high exposure to fluoride can result in skeletal fluorosis, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Another issue with fluoridated water is that it delivers the same dose of fluoride to everyone, regardless of individual factors like weight, health, age, or specific needs, which might not be suitable for all populations. Additionally, emerging research suggests potential developmental and cognitive risks associated with chronic fluoride exposure. Some studies have linked high fluoride intake during early development to cognitive impairments, such as decreased intelligence, memory deficits, learning difficulties, and even behavioral changes. Although more research is needed to fully understand these risks, they underscore the importance of carefully considering the levels of fluoride in drinking water.

Do Water Filters Remove Fluoride?

Not all water filters remove fluoride. Activated carbon filters, which are one of the most popular types of water filters, can safely reduce fluoride levels. However, they cannot remove all fluoride from water. For the best results, install a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system. These point-of-use filters force water molecules through a membrane with extremely tiny openings, trapping a wide range of contaminants. RO systems are among the best filters homeowners can buy, as they are effective at reducing up to 99% of contaminants, including fluoride, from water. 

 

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Alternative Ways to Maintain Dental Health After Filtering Out Fluoride

If you opt to filter fluoride from your water, there are other ways you can continue to maintain the dental benefits it provides. One of the most common options is to use fluoride toothpaste, which is formulated to strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride mouthwashes are another solution. Both of these products contain concentrated fluoride doses that support oral health. Since toothpaste and mouthwash are made to spit out, users avoid unnecessary ingestion.