Do Brita Filters Remove Fluoride? (2024 Update)

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Dr. Matthew Hannan | My Dental Advocate
Do Brita Filters Remove Fluoride? | My Dental Advocate

There’s nothing better than pouring a glass of pure water on a hot summer’s day, knowing the water has been purified of impurities and sediments.

However, with so many brands and filters available, determining which ones are effective at removing chemicals, including fluoride, can take time.

In this article, we’ll explore one of the most popular brands of water filters, Brita, and answer the question: “Do Brita filters remove fluoride from water?”

 Recommended Reading: Dental Fluoride | The Ultimate Guide

Need Dental Advice? Ask Dr. Hannan!

Do Brita Filters Remove Fluoride?

No, Brita filters do not effectively remove fluoride from water. Brita’s filters are designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor, sediment, and some contaminants like lead and copper.

However, fluoride is not effectively filtered by Brita systems. Consider using a reverse osmosis system or another fluoride removal filter to remove fluoride from your drinking water.

Brita Water Filters Statistics | My Dental Advocate

Check out the attached table to see what impurities Brita filters can remove. Brita’s new and improved Longlast+ Filter removes 99% of lead and reduces the most contaminants vs. other pour-through systems.

In addition, patented pleated filter technology allows our Longlast+ Filter to last 3x longer.

What About Fluoride in Bottled Water?

Many people turn to bottled water as an alternative to tap water, but not all bottled water is fluoride-free.

Some bottled water brands contain the same amount of fluoride as tap water. Before you purchase bottled water, be sure to check the label for information about fluoride content.

According to the CDC, bottled water products may contain fluoride, depending on the source of the water. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets limits for fluoride in bottled water based on several factors, including the source of the water.

Bottled water products labeled as de-ionized, purified, demineralized, or distilled have been treated in such a way that they contain no or only trace amounts of fluoride unless they specifically list fluoride as an added ingredient.

What Is Fluoride & Why Is It In Water?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in soil, water and various foods.

It is well known for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities, which is why it is often added to public drinking water supplies. This is to promote good dental health and prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities.

While fluoride has many benefits, some people are concerned about the long-term effects of consuming it through their drinking water.

Despite this, many health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consider fluoride to be safe when used in the right amounts.

Benefits of Fluoride in Drinking Water

  • Strengthens tooth enamel
  • Prevents cavities
  • Promotes oral health
  • Cost-effective and widely available
Recommended Reading: Fluoride Varnish vs. Fluoride Treatment (What’s the difference?)

Despite its benefits, some people choose to remove fluoride from their drinking water due to personal beliefs or health concerns.

However, it is essential to note that the appropriate amount of fluoride in drinking water has been determined by the US Public Health Service and the World Health Organization to be safe and effective for promoting oral health.

According to a recent study, hollow-fiber membrane filters did not affect fluoride concentrations in fluoridated water, but activated-carbon filters removed some fluoride.

Brita Water Filters | My Dental Advocate

How Brita Filters Work

Brita filters are uniquely designed to remove impurities, contaminants, and unpleasant tastes and odors from drinking water.

The filters use activated carbon to absorb and trap these substances, making the water cleaner and more enjoyable to drink.

Did you know that the U.S. uses 2,000 single-use plastic bottles per second, most of which end up in oceans?

Brita’s mission is to help people access cleaner, great-tasting water without having to trash the planet.

Key Components

  • Activated carbon – absorbs and traps impurities
  • Ion exchange resin – removes positively charged contaminants
  • Micro-screen – filters out sediment and other particles

If you switch to a Brita system, you replace up to 1,800 single-use plastic bottles yearly.

Brita’s Effectiveness in Removing Impurities

Brita filters are designed to remove specific impurities and contaminants from drinking water, making it cleaner and more enjoyable to drink.

The filters use activated carbon and other materials to trap and remove impurities, and they are most effective in removing certain substances from water.

Impurities Brita Filters are Effective in Removing

  • Chlorine taste and odor
  • Sediment
  • Lead
  • Copper

Impurities Brita Filters are Not Effective in Removing

  • Fluoride
  • Certain pesticides and herbicides
  • Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses
  • Certain minerals and heavy metals
Fluoride Water Filtration System | My Dental Advocate

It’s essential to understand the limitations of Brita filters and what impurities they can remove from drinking water.

While Brita filters are a convenient and affordable option for reducing specific contaminants in water, they are not a comprehensive solution for removing all impurities.

Alternatives for Removing Fluoride from Water

For those who wish to remove fluoride from their drinking water, there are several alternatives available.

These alternatives range from water filtration systems to simple household solutions, and each has its benefits and limitations.

Water Filtration Systems for Removing Fluoride

  • Reverse Osmosis: This process uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water. Reverse osmosis systems effectively remove fluoride and other contaminants such as lead and chlorine.
  • Distillation: This process involves heating water to boiling and collecting the steam. The steam is then condensed back into the water, leaving behind impurities, including fluoride.
  • Deionization Systems: These water treatment systems remove ions, specifically salts and minerals, from water through ion exchange.
  • Activated Alumina: This is a type of ceramic material that is specifically designed to remove fluoride from water. Activated alumina filters are typically used in large-scale water treatment plants but can also be used in home filtration systems.

Household Solutions for Removing Fluoride

  • Boiling water
  • Using fluoride-removing filters or pitcher inserts
  • Using fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash

Research and consider the different alternatives for removing fluoride from drinking water, considering each option’s effectiveness, cost, and practicality.

Additionally, it’s important to note that some options may not effectively remove all forms of fluoride and may not remove other impurities and contaminants in water.

Recommended Reading: Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride? (Dentist’s Thoughts)

Choosing the Right Reverse Osmosis System for Fluoride Removal

When removing fluoride from drinking water, choosing the best reverse osmosis (RO) system is crucial. However, not all RO systems are created equal.

Some may be more effective at removing fluoride than others. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an RO system for fluoride removal.

Best Reverse Osmosis Systems

APEC Water Systems 5-Stage Certified Reverse Osmosis Filter System
$199.95

Premium long-lasting filters remove up to 99% of contaminants such as chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs, as well as toxic fluoride, arsenic, lead, nitrates, heavy metals and 1000+ contaminants. Max Total Dissolved Solids - 2000 ppm.

America's No.1 rated water filter brand with 20 years of success guaranteeing trouble free, noise-free system for long-lasting, dependable, pure drinking water. 2-year extended manufacturer warranty is available upon registration

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03/26/2024 07:55 pm GMT
iSpring 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
$218.99

Exclusively designed to restore the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water, this reliable and ultra-safe Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration system converts your water into clean, pure and healthy drinking water by removing up to 99% of over 1,000 harmful contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, lead (removes up to 98%), arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium and more.

The iSpring RCC7AK Reverse Osmosis water filter includes an additional 6th stage - an Alkaline Remineralization filter that restores healthy minerals and produces a balanced alkalinity, which gives your water a more natural taste than regular 5-stage RO water filter.

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03/26/2024 07:50 pm GMT
Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System
$79.99 $69.99

The Frizzlife MK99 Water Filtration System includes a TWO-STAGE High precise compound filter including a unique technology that reduces contaminants while leaving in all essential minerals.

Certified to reduce Lead, Chlorine, Taste & Odor and Particulates. Enjoy healthy water from the tap.

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03/26/2024 07:40 pm GMT
Bluevua Reverse Osmosis System Countertop Water Filter
$434.00 $389.00 ($1.05 / oz)

Simply plug this portable piece of tech into any power source and you're ready to fill it up and go!

Better yet, the water container is constructed of high borosilicate glass carafe instead of the traditional plastic, reducing the risk of secondary pollution and making this one of the best countertop water filter systems.

4 levels of filtration are utilized to ensure the purest water possible. 99.9% of all possible contaminants are filtered out so you can confidently drink your own tap water.

Buy Now
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03/26/2024 07:34 pm GMT

The Importance of Clean Drinking Water

Access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial for good health and well-being. Clean drinking water is essential for hydration, and it also plays a role in preventing certain diseases and conditions.

Hydration & Health

  • Water helps regulate body temperature
  • Water helps transport nutrients and waste products
  • Water helps lubricate joints and tissues
  • Water aids digestion and elimination

Disease Prevention

  • Water helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to serious health problems
  • Water helps prevent certain waterborne illnesses and diseases
  • Water helps prevent chronic conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections

Ensure that the drinking water we consume is clean and free from impurities and contaminants. This includes using water filtration systems, boiling water, or alternative household solutions to remove impurities from drinking water.

Drinking clean water can improve health and well-being and is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

Recommended Reading: The Truth About Fluoride and Teeth Whitening (Dentist’s Perspective)

Fluoride Research Statistics

Consider these fluoride statistics according to a recent article about ingested fluoride:

  1. Fluoride is present in water sources ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/L.
  2. Fluoride is added to water in the US in the range of 0.7-1.2 mg/L to prevent dental cavities.
  3. Fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition characterized by discoloration and mottling of the enamel at doses above 2 mg/L.
  4. Chronic exposure to high fluoride levels (above 4 mg/L) has been linked to several adverse health effects, including skeletal fluorosis and decreased bone density.
  5. Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels has also been associated with decreased IQ in children and cognitive decline in elderly populations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Brita filters remove impurities such as chlorine, lead, and sediment, but not fluoride.

No, all Brita filters do not remove fluoride from water.

Alternative options for removing fluoride from water include reverse osmosis filtration systems, activated alumina filtration systems, and deionization systems. It’s important to consult a professional for the best option.

My Experience & Expertise

As a dentist, I see firsthand the importance of maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

Drinking clean and pure water is crucial to maintaining oral and overall health. Fluoride, a naturally occurring element found in water, can have profound positive effects on tooth decay.

For example, patients with early cavities can regularly use fluoride to heal (remineralize) tooth decay. However, too much of anything is bad. It’s up to the individual to determine if they want to remove it from their drinking water.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources


About the Author

Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.

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