Systemic fluoride

Here are some points regarding systemic fluoride to share with families:

• Systemic fluoride is found in nature in soils and in water, food, and drops/tablets that are consumed orally.
• Children (and adults too) benefit from consuming optimally fluoridated water.
• Be aware that nursery water is purified water with added fluoride and is available in grocery stores in bottles. Natural spring water may have small amounts of fluoride but generally has none. Purified bottled water has been processed with an osmotic filter that removes all fluoride.
• As warranted in the ensuing discussion:
  • Fluoride is removed from water by reverse osmosis filters but not by standard carbon filters.
  • Some food processing plants are in areas whose water is fluoridated. Therefore, many processed food products may contain fluoride from the water used in these plants to prepare the food. Since these foods are ingested by mouth, they should be considered in the systemic intake of fluoride as you assess your families.
  • Intake of excessive quantities can result in fluorosis (in the US, rarely moderate-severe).
  • Families may want to advocate for fluoridation of municipal water supplies.