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Fluoride also occurs naturally in pretty much all ground and surface water but how much varies by the source. Fluorine is one of the earth's most common elements. So, even if your municipal source doesn't add any, you may still be getting some from water. Then of course there's genetic variation in teeth to consider. Some people won the lottery in terms of decay resistance. Others lost.
Good point! I know my local water company send out a water analysis report showing items such as inorganic chemicals including fluoride. I looked at one report that described the source of fluoride as: "Natural deposits; Water Treatment addition," so it looks like they add fluoride to bring it up to a minimum level.
Good point! I know my local water company send out a water analysis report showing items such as inorganic chemicals including fluoride. I looked at one report that described the source of fluoride as: "Natural deposits; Water Treatment addition," so it looks like they add fluoride to bring it up to a minimum level.
Some areas add fluoride if the levels are below a certain minimum. Some areas do not. There is also the matter of too much fluoride that occurs naturally in some areas - because there is also a max permitted by law: 4.0 mg/L There is a secondary max of 4.0 mg/L. You can check all this out yourself in a Q&A PDF provided by the EPA.
If samples show a level higher than that, the water MUST be treated to reduce the level.
Some areas add fluoride if the levels are below a certain minimum. Some areas do not. There is also the matter of too much fluoride that occurs naturally in some areas - because there is also a max permitted by law: 4.0 mg/L There is a secondary max of 4.0 mg/L. You can check all this out yourself in a Q&A PDF provided by the EPA.
If samples show a level higher than that, the water MUST be treated to reduce the level.
Yes, that's in line with the report I was looking at. It had two sources of water. The one had natural fluoride, the other had none. They raised both to 4.0 mg/L.
What is the difference between the max permitted by law and the secondary max?
I wonder with fluoride toothpaste and rinses if added fluoride to water makes sense anymore?
Yes, that's in line with the report I was looking at. It had two sources of water. The one had natural fluoride, the other had none. They raised both to 4.0 mg/L.
What is the difference between the max permitted by law and the secondary max?
I wonder with fluoride toothpaste and rinses if added fluoride to water makes sense anymore?
The first max of 2.0 is the maximum "recommended" for dental health in children.
The second max of 4.0 is the maximum "allowed" for human safety.
So any municipality that has levels below 2.0 - know what the guideline will be if they want to give kids the best chances. And they also know that they need to keep those levels under 4.0.
It's a pretty miniscule amount of flourine. Between 2-4 mg/L - with 2 mg being 0.00040576 US tsp. So that's 4/10,000 of a teaspoon. A few grains, if that. Per litre.
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