What are the health effects of fluoride in water?
Many public water systems add fluoride to water to help prevent cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water with 0.7–1.2 milligrams/Liter (mg/L) of fluoride is safe and effective. Water may also contain natural fluoride. Some water sources contain more natural fluoride than others. Studies have shown that water with more than 2 mg/L of fluoride may pose health risks, including enamel fluorosis in children under the age of 8. This is staining and pitting of tooth enamel. Studies have also shown an increased risk of bone fractures in people who drink high-fluoride water all their lives. Contact your water supplier to find out how much fluoride is in your water. Most bottled waters do not contain added fluoride.
