Category: Adult Dentistry, Common Questions, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health
Water filtration systems have become a popular choice for many households looking to improve the quality of their drinking water. ZeroWater and Brita are two of the most well-known brands in the market, with millions of users worldwide. While Brita uses a basic filtration system, ZeroWater boasts a 5-stage filtration process that removes almost all dissolved solids from water.
In this article, we will explore the technology behind ZeroWater and answer a critical question – does ZeroWater filter fluoride? As a dentist, I have seen the benefits of fluoridated water for oral health, but excessive fluoride intake can also have adverse effects. So, let’s dive deeper and examine this topic from a dental perspective.
Recommended Reading: Dental Fluoride | The Ultimate Guide
Yes, ZeroWater removes 99% of fluoride, along with many metals and inorganic non-metals. In addition, ZeroWater’s 5-Stage Ion Exchange Filter is the only pour-through water filter NSF certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, and chromium.
Source: ZeroWater
According to ZeroWater’s website, the 5-stage filters are the only pour-through filter NSF certified to reduce lead, chromium & PFOA/PFOS. In addition, every 5-stage filtration system comes with a TDS meter. So, you can check the level of dissolved solids before and after filtering your drinking water.
The ZeroWater 5-stage water filtration system undergoes strict internal quality control testing for accuracy and consistency in the product’s specification to ensure the removal of harmful contaminants and guaranteed clean water quality.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements comprise a water sample’s non-organic and organic sediments. Enter your zip code on ZeroWater’s website to retrieve your area’s average TDS reading.
Source: ZeroWater
PFAS are widely used chemicals in many consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Their widespread use is primarily due to their water-resistant properties.
For example, PFOS is an indestructible compound that repels water, grease, and dirt. They are often used to coat pans or rain gear. In addition, PFOA is very good at repelling oil and water. However, they are not biodegradable and regrettably last in the environment for a long time.
“PFOA and PFOS are extremely persistent in the environment and resistant to typical environmental degradation processes. As a result, they are widely distributed across the higher trophic levels and found in soil, air, and groundwater sites across the United States. The toxicity, mobility and bioaccumulation potential of PFOS and PFOA pose potential adverse effects for the environment and human health.”
Recommended Reading: Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Fluoride? (Dentist’s Thoughts)Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and various types of food. It is well known for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities, which is why it is often added to public drinking water supplies.
Water fluoridation began in some parts of the United States in 1945 after scientists noted that people living in areas with higher water fluoride levels had fewer cavities. Starting in 1962, the United States Public Health Service (PHS) recommended that public water supplies contain fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
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.
Natural drinking water sources in the US also have some fluoride in them. Surface water sources (such as lakes and rivers) in the US have an average level of about 0.2 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water (mg/L), although levels can be much higher in some places than others.
“When used as directed or within the context of community water fluoridation programs, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that can prevent and control dental caries.”
Fluoride remineralizes weakened tooth enamel by repairing and reinforcing it from further acid attacks. The remineralization effect of fluoride can reverse the early decay process and create a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay.
Brita and ZeroWater are well-known names for water, but with so many models, it can be difficult to discern which water pitcher filter system is best for your home. Each has pros and cons that need to be considered.
After detailing ZeroWater’s strengths, let’s take a closer look at Brita water filters and how it compares to ZeroWater.
Recommended Reading: Do Brita Filters Remove Fluoride? (2023 Update)Source: ZeroWater
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. However, unlike ZeroWater, Brita filters only removed 3% of fluoride, whereas ZeroWater removed 99%, according to this research article.
According to a recent study, hollow-fiber membrane filters did not affect fluoride concentrations in fluoridated water, but activated-carbon filters removed some fluoride.
ZEROWATER REPLACEMENT FILTERS: Ensure you are drinking pure-tasting, cleaner water by replacing your Zero Water pitcher filters regularly. Our replacement filters fit in all Zero Water pitchers and water dispensers, from the smallest pitcher to the largest.
FIVE-STAGE WATER FILTRATION: Unlike many water filters & pitchers, Zero Water filters use 5 stages of filtration to bring you cleaner, better-tasting water. Instead of carbon filtering only, our filters use Ion Exchange Technology to reduce contaminants.
NOT AN ORDINARY WATER FILTER: Zero Water filters filter water in 5 stages, are NSF certified to reduce lead and other heavy metals. Zero water removes 99. 6% of total dissolved solids, 2X more than the leading brand (tested by independent lab).
12 CUP WATER FILTER PITCHER: You'll always have cleaner, pure-tasting water in your fridge with our BPA-Free, water pitcher filter. Use the included TDS meter to monitor water quality!
FIVE-STAGE WATER FILTRATION: Unlike many water filters & pitchers, a ZeroWater water pitcher with filter for tap water use 5 stages of filtration, to bring you cleaner, better tasting water.
NOT AN ORDINARY WATER FILTER: A ZeroWater water pitcher filters water in 5 stages and is NSF certified to reduce lead and other heavy metals. Zerowater removes 99.6% of total dissolved solids, 2X more than the leading brand.
*Easy To Use
*Measure total dissolved solids in water
*Know exactly when to change filters
*Compare water samples
GET THE LEAD OUT: ZeroWater filters are the only pour-through filters NSF Certified to remove chromium & lead. Our pitchers, tumblers, & dispensers remove virtually all solids for the purest tasting water.
ZeroWater removes 99% of fluoride from the water; however, alternative systems exist. These alternatives range from water filtration systems to simple household solutions, and each has its benefits and limitations.
Source: ZeroWater
Do your research and consider the alternatives for removing fluoride from drinking water, thinking about 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.
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.
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.
The controversy surrounding fluoride has led to several studies on the safety and efficacy of fluoridation. While some of these studies have found that fluoride can benefit oral health, others have raised concerns about its potential health risks. The World Health Organization, for example, has stated that fluoride levels in drinking water should not exceed 1.5 mg/L due to the potential for adverse health effects at higher levels.
One of the primary concerns of critics of fluoride is that it is added to the drinking water supply without consent. While some believe it is necessary to improve public health, others argue that it amounts to mass medication and violates individual freedom. The controversy has resulted in many communities opting out of fluoridation or placing restrictions on the levels of fluoride that can be added to drinking water.
Consider these statistics according to a recent article about ingested fluoride:
Key points to fluoride use according to the American Dental Association:
Yes, ZeroWater's 5-stage filtration system can remove fluoride from water.
ZeroWater's 5-stage system claims to remove virtually all dissolved solids, making it superior to Brita's single-stage filtration.
Fluoridated water can have benefits for dental health, but excessive consumption can have adverse effects.
Fluoride is controversial due to conflicting opinions on its safety and efficacy as a cavity preventative.
As a dentist, it is essential to understand the effects of water filtration systems on fluoride levels in drinking water. ZeroWater’s 5-stage filtration system is NSF certified to reduce lead, chromium, PFOA/PFOS, and 99% of fluoride.
In addition, this advanced filtration system comes with a TDS meter to monitor the level of dissolved solids before and after filtering. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that provides numerous benefits for oral health and is widely recommended by the US Public Health Service and World Health Organization.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health, and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!