Why is fluoride NOW in Newport Beach water?

About Fluoride

Fluoride helps teeth resist decay by strengthening the protective layer of tooth enamel, and can reverse newly formed cavities. Fluoride has been added to U.S. drinking water supplies since 1945. More than two-thirds of the population in the U.S. are served by public water systems that are optimally fluoridated.

Fluoridation

Starting November 19, 2007, Metropolitan Water District (MWD) began adding fluoride to the water that it serves to Newport Beach. In line with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MWD will adjust the natural fluoride level in the water, which ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 parts per million, to 0.7 to 0.8 parts per million. Currently the City of Newport Beach receives approximately 18% of its water from MWD and 82% from its ground water well sources. The City of Newport Beach will not be adding fluoride to its well sources. The City of Newport Beach's ground water well sources contain a natural occurrence of fluoride Also beginning this November, the City of Newport Beach will begin a fluoride monitoring program to monitor the levels of fluoride throughout the distribution system.

Fluoridated Water and Supplements

Drinking optimally fluoridated water on a regular basis makes the use of fluoride tablets or drops unnecessary. However, the continued use of fluoride treatments by professional dental caregivers is recommended. Drinking fluoridated water should be part of a total treatment plan for healthy gums and teeth, combined with brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and using less sugar in your diet. People who do not wish to drink fluoridated water should know that most bottled waters do contain levels of fluoride below the optimum range.

Here are some answers to questions we often get asked

Q. How does fluoride protect teeth against tooth decay?

Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth dissolve or demineralize the teeth. Fluoride protects against tooth decay by slowing down or stopping demineralization, promoting remineralization, and keeping the bacteria from producing too much acid. Technically fluoride reduces the solubility of teeth by changing out a hydroxyl group for a Fluoride ion.

Q. Is fluoride harmful to my health?

There have been thousands of studies that have looked at whether fluoride in drinking water is harmful to human health. These studies have looked at whether there is a link between fluoride and cancer, bone fractures as well as adverse effects on the immune system, kidneys, digestive system and reproductive system. The American Dental Association, in reviewing the body of scientific evidence, concluded that the overwhelming evidence indicates that fluoridation of community water supplies is both safe and effective.

Q. Will I miss the benefits from fluoridation if I drink bottled water, vended water or water from a store or a home filtration system?

If you mostly drink bottled water, water from vending machines or water from water stores, you may miss the benefits of an optimally fluoridated water supply. If you use vended water or purchase water from a water store and the water is likely treated by reverse osmosis or distillation, the water is most likely low in fluoride.

Q. Should I give fluoridated water to my infant?

A national Research Council study has raised the possibility that infants could receive a greater than optimal amount of fluoride. Liquid concentrate of powdered baby formula that has been mixed with water containing fluoride during a time that they are developing teeth may cause them to be more susceptible to enamel fluorosis. The American Dental Association has issued interim guidance on fluoride intake for infants and young children. Among the recommendations are that if liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition for infants, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis.

Q. Will fluoridated water harm my pets?

No evidence exists that indicates fluoridated water at the levels prescribed for human consumption is harmful to animals or pets.

*Most of the information here is from the City of Newport Beach website.

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