Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in our teeth and bones. It is also naturally present in soil, plants, groundwater, and springs. Some
private water wells may have naturally high levels of fluoride. Fluoride’s ability to strengthen enamel and help fight cavities has made it the essential ingredient in toothpaste as well as
other dental products.

Most city water systems around the country currently add fluoride to public drinking water. Florida began its community fluoridation program in 1949, and more city water systems in the state subsequently followed suit in the 1950s and 1960s and continue to this day. As of 2018, more than 75% of Floridians on city water systems are drinking fluoridated water, according to Florida Health. Also, the International Bottled Water Association (IWBA) states that some bottled water brands contain fluoridated water. Public water customers in Stuart, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and other community water systems in St. Lucie and Indian River County are also drinking fluoridated water.

Is drinking fluoridated water safe?

With the wide assortment of fluoride and other dental products that were not available decades ago, some individuals may now be consuming too much fluoride, especially children. Drinking too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a condition that mainly affects children eight (8) years of age and under that intake too much fluoride. It’s a cosmetic condition that causes white lines or streaks to appear in the teeth. Skeletal fluorosis is a more severe condition that can cause weak bones. It can also cause joint stiffness and pain. Approximately 40% of Americans have some form of dental fluorosis. Also, the American Cancer Society is reviewing studies suggesting a link between fluoridated water and bone cancer.

The U.S. Department of Health has recommended city water systems reduce the amount of fluoride added to drinking water to 0.7 parts per trillion. The American Dental Association says parents should avoid giving fluoridated water to children under two years old. Fluoridated water should not be mixed in baby formula.

Is my water fluoridated?

Most city water customers along the Treasure Coast are drinking fluoridated water. The annual water quality report for your city’s utility will indicate the fluoride level in the drinking water. Private well owners and city water customers can also obtain a water test to determine the amount of fluoride that is present in the tap water. The FDA requires bottled water companies to indicate whether they add fluoride.

How to determine the amount of fluoride in water?

Homeowners on city water and private wells can obtain a water test to determine the amount of fluoride and other minerals and impurities that are present in the tap water.

Removing fluoride from water

Life is better with clear, odor-free, and better-tasting water from Atlantic Coast Water Clinic. We provide high-quality water filtration and purification systems by Kinetico that will remove fluoride in the drinking water for homes and businesses on the Treasure Coast, including Stuart, Lakewood Park, Indiantown, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, and communities throughout Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. Contact a professional, trained water specialist to discuss your options today!

Get a Free Analysis & Quote from Atlantic Coast Water Clinic for any of our solutions. Call (772) 283-4767 or use our online form at the top of the page.