If I drink bottled water, do I get enough fluoride?

If bottled water is the main source for your daily water intake then you may not be getting enough fluoride. While fluoride is added to public water supplies in most areas to reduce caries, most bottled water does not contain the required amount of fluoride (0.7 to 1.2 percent).

Some of the factors that affect whether you take in the necessary amount of fluoride are:

• The percentage of fluoride in the bottled water you consume, which can vary. If the percentage of fluoride is not written on the label you can contact the company in charge and ask.
• The amount of bottled water you drink daily.
• If you use bottled water in cooking, in soups and to make a juice or other beverage.
• If you drink fluoridated water at school, at work somewhere else.

If you drink mostly bottled water you should consult your dentist about whether you need to add extra fluoride sources to your diet - especially if you have children. Your dentist may suggest fluoride drops or tablets if he or she thinks your child is not getting enough fluoride.