Fluoride In Water

What is Fluoride and where to find it?

Fluoride is a natural mineral(1) that occurs in various rock layers of the earth’s crust. It is also found in most foods, but only in minimal amounts. Sources include sea fish like sardines and black tea. In addition, cereals, liver and meat contribute to the supply of fluoride. Moreover, (drinking) water naturally contains fluoride. However, the amount of fluoride in drinking water can vary significantly from region to region. The trace element fluoride is found in the body, primarily in bones and teeth, and, along with other minerals, ensures the strength of these structures.

In the early 20th century, scientists found a link between naturally occurring fluoride levels in water supplies and low tooth decay incidence in these regions. As a result, in 1945, the U.S. became the first country(2) to artificially add fluoride to its drinking water to improve dental health among its population. Two decades later, fluoride became an additive in toothpaste around the world.

Controversial studies on the decline of tooth decay

According to most recent studies(5), adding fluoride to drinking water is harmless and effective, decreasing dental caries. However, a counter-study by Harvard University(2) points out that tooth decay cases have also declined in many countries that do not fluoridate their drinking water.

At the moment, several councils have added fluoride to their drinking water, like Auckland and the whole North Shore with Orewa, Albany and Silverdale. Currently, the municipal drinking water supplies of Warkworth, Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Kaiwaka and Welsford do not contain artificially added fluoride. However, with New Zealand’s legislation changes in 2021, the Director-General of Health has control over directing local authorities to fluoridate the water supplies.

Tooth protection with fluoride in water NZ

Fluorides are good for the teeth – that is what scientists, health advisors and dentists have been saying for decades. Therefore, fluoride has become an indispensable part of our dental hygiene. Fluorides(1), which get onto the teeth via toothpaste, a fluoride-containing gel or mouthwash, form a protective film around the teeth. Consequently, it makes them less susceptible to bacteria and reduces the risk of tooth decay(2). Fluoride contributes to our dental health in three ways. For this reason, almost every toothpaste advertises that it contains fluoride. 

First(1), fluoride has an antibacterial effect. It fights bacteria in tooth enamel, reducing their production of harmful acids, leading to tooth decay. Sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluoride, and amine fluoride have proven to be particularly effective in their antibacterial action.

Fluorides and the teeth 

While fluoride in a dosage of about 1 mg/day is considered an effective means of tooth decay prophylaxis (fluoridation), it produces dental fluorosis(3) in higher doses. Dental fluorosis(5) occurs when too much fluoride is regularly available to the teeth – especially during tooth development. At that time, the production of the tooth enamel, which has the task of protecting the tooth from damaging external influences, is disturbed. White to brown discolourations form in the form of spots or streaks on the enamel surface (“Colorado Brown Stain” or “Texas Teeth”). However, it is aesthetically annoying and harmful to the teeth in more severe cases, as the enamel surface becomes less resistant.

Fluorides and diabetes

According to the National Research Council (2006), “Fluoride exposure may play a significant role in disrupting glucose metabolism and in the development of diabetes.” Fluorides are thought to increase blood glucose levels, promote insulin resistance in cells, and further inhibit insulin production and secretion. In response to elevated blood glucose levels and a higher frequency of urination, people with diabetes drink significantly more water than non-diabetics, which is why they also ingest more fluorides from drinking water and other beverages on a daily average than healthy people. Increasing exposure and retention of fluoride is why people with diabetes are at higher risk for fluoride poisoning.

Reverse Osmosis for Fluoride in water NZ

The water filters of a reverse osmosis (RO) system work according to the physical principle of reverse osmosis. Water is pressed through a very fine membrane at high pressure, separating into osmosis and wastewater. Reverse osmosis is a reliable method to remove fluoride and other contaminants from your tap water. Using a reverse osmosis system in your household gives you the full assurance that your water is free of pollutants and safe to drink.

The reverse osmosis system is installed under your kitchen bench. Aqua Works offers various underbench Reverse Osmosis filter options with multiple flow rates and different technologies types. Our service team will come on-site and look at the conditions in your kitchen. Together we decide which product technology is the best suitable for your individual needs. 

20+ years of experience in Rodney means Aqua Works is your local water filtration expert. Our knowledge of the community and the region we live in, combined with our passion for clean drinking water, is the foundation for our daily work. We offer customised water solutions supporting you to meet your personal needs and individual budget. Our connected, smart product range enables you to master the water in your home. At the same time, it ensures the best purification of your water for healthy, tasty water enjoyment.