Fluoride content of still bottled water in Australia.
BACKGROUND
Recently there has been a considerable increase in the consumption of bottled water in Australia. Overseas studies have found the fluoride levels in many bottled waters are well below levels considered optimal for preventing dental caries. This raises the concern that if bottled water is regularly consumed an effective means of preventing dental caries is unavailable. The aim of this study was to determine the fluoride concentration in 10 popular brands of still bottled water currently sold in Australia.


METHODS
The fluoride content of water samples were determined using an ion analyser and compared to a fluoride standard.


RESULTS
The fluoride concentration of all bottled waters was less than 0.08 ppm. Only three of the 10 brands indicated the fluoride content on their labels. Melbourne reticulated water was found to be fluoridated at 1.02 ppm.


CONCLUSIONS
All bottled waters tested contained negligible fluoride which justifies the concern that regular consumption of bottled water may reduce the benefits gained from water fluoridation. It is recommended that all bottled water companies should consider stating their fluoride content on their labels. This will inform consumers and dental care providers of the levels of fluoride in bottled water and allow an informed decision regarding consumption of fluoridated versus non-fluoridated drinking water.
Cochrane
N J
NJ
School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria. n.cochrane@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Saranathan
S
S
Morgan
M V
MV
Dashper
S G
SG
D001315:Australia; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis*; D005515:Food Labeling; D006801:Humans; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014739:Victoria; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014867:Water; D005459:Fluorides