Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?

You will probably be familiar with the great fluoride debate. Fluoridation has come up many times in the news and is something that most people have opinions on. No matter whether that opinion is for or against the fluoridation of water.

Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride

There are both pros and cons to the fluoridation of water. But no matter whether you agree or disagree with it, you probably want to know if bottled water contains fluoride.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at fluoride and whether it is in bottled water. So, if you want to find the answer, keep on reading!

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is often present in water. However, if you have heard of fluoride, it likely isn’t because of water. Instead, you have probably heard the word “fluoride” used concerning toothpaste and dental products. 

Fluoride is in most dental products because fluoride has proven results for strengthening the enamel of your teeth and reducing the number of cavities. There isn’t much debate over the use of fluoride in dental products, mainly because you shouldn’t consume any dental products. 

While there isn’t much debate over fluoride in toothpaste, there is a lot over the use of fluoride in drinking water. So, let’s quickly take a look at this debate.

The Great Fluoride Debate

There are two sides to the great fluoride debate: those who agree with fluoride in drinking water and those who disagree. One of the main driving points in this debate is the health concerns associated with drinking fluoride.

Fluoride in small amounts, for example, in toothpaste, is safe. But, when consumed in large quantities, fluoride can become toxic. There are a lot of conspiracy theories about the use of fluoride.

One of the main reasons why people disagree with it in water is that it is a breach of their freedom. When fluoride is in water, it removes the ability to choose whether you consume it. This lack of choice is really at the heart of the fluoride debate.

Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?

Now that we have covered what fluoride is and why the use of this in water causes so much debate – let’s take a look at whether bottled water contains fluoride. 

Most of the time, bottled water will not contain fluoride. However, this will depend on the manufacturer and where the water is collected. Some companies that produce bottled water add fluoride to the water in the manufacturing process.

If they do this, then they legally have to make you aware of this. Most companies will clearly state that the water contains fluoride on the bottle’s label. 

However, water can contain fluoride without the company telling you. It will happen if fluoride is in the water at the source.  In some areas, fluoride is added to a water source, meaning that any water taken from that area will contain fluoride.

If bottled water comes from a source where fluoride is in the water, then your water will contain fluoride, but the company that sells the water will not need to make you aware of this.

Which Bottled Water Contains Fluoride?

Fluoride is in quite a lot of different bottled water products. Here are some of the companies that use fluoride in the water that they sell:

  • Crystal Springs DS Services
  • Kentwood Springs DS Services
  • Mount Olympus DS Services
  • Pure Flo Pure Flo Water Company
  • Sparkletts DS Services
  • Belmont Springs DS Services
  • Hinckley Springs DS Services

It is important to note that these all actively add fluoride to the water in the bottling process. To find out if bottled water doesn’t state that its water contains fluoride, you will need to research the water source.

It is the only way to determine if the water that you are drinking could contain fluoride. 

Should Water Contain Fluoride

Let’s wrap this up with a pretty loaded question – should water contain fluoride? Ultimately it will come down to personal opinion. But, here are some pros and cons of having fluoride in drinking water

Pros

Improved Dental Health

The biggest attraction of fluoride in water is that it improves your dental health. Fluoride is proven to reduce cavities, and it can also reduce tooth decay by around 25%.

Cost-Effective

Many argue that fluoride is something that everybody should have access to, and adding it to drinking water is one of the most cost-effective ways to deliver it to everyone. 

Cons

No Consent 

When fluoride is in a public water source, it removes the choice of whether to consume it. Many people consider this to be a breach of their freedom.

Health Risks

When consumed in large amounts, fluoride can be damaging to your health. Adding it to the water source prevents people from regulating the amount they consume, as they are not in control. 

Summary

In short, it is difficult to say for definite if a bottle of water contains fluoride. If a company actively adds fluoride when bottling water, they will state this on the label.

But, if the water that is bottled comes from a source where fluoride is, it is much harder to know if your bottled water contains fluoride. 

Thanks for reading!

Mandy Anderson
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