Is it possible to add fluoride to my tap water?

Question

I live in a city without fluoridated drinking water. Do I have any options for adding fluoride to my tap water?

I found countless results online for filters that can remove fluoride from tap water, but I would like to do the reverse and add fluoride to my water. I am asking the opposite of this question about removing fluoride.

Ideally, I would be able to install some sort of faucet-mounted filter (similar to the image below) that could add safe levels of fluoride to my tap water. Presumably this device would need to be refilled or replaced once in a while. Unfortunately, I suspect that this type of device probably does not exist.

Does a device like this exist? If not, do I have any other options for adding fluoride to my tap water?

I rent an apartment and I am not permitted to make permanent changes to my plumbing. I would prefer options that involve minimal / reversible modifications such as a faucet mounted filter (i.e. solutions that won't upset landlord).

I am aware of the alternative methods for getting fluoride, such as:

• Fluoride containing toothpaste
• Fluoride containing mouthwash
• Fluoride supplements

However, I am specifically asking about ways to add fluoride to tap water and I am not asking about these alternative methods.

Answer 1

I know this has gotten a bit off topic, but in an attempt to answer the question - according to my wife, a hygienist - your best bet is to use:

• Fluoridated toothpaste
• Take a fluoride supplement

However, I am specifically asking about ways to add fluoride to tap water and I am not asking about these alternative methods.

Too much fluoride can harm you. After researching this morning, I don't see a way to add it to actual tap water coming out of a faucet as your looking for. Trying to calculate water pressure, flow rate, storage and release time of fluoride tablets would be rather difficult I think. Similar to trying to add a multi vitamin to tap water stream. To little and it'll be ineffective; to much and it would make you sick.

This article may help

According to the CDC, "if fluoride levels in your drinking water are lower than 0.7 mg/L, your child's dentist or pediatrician should evaluate whether your child could benefit from daily fluoride supplements." The American Dental Association has a standard dosing schedule for fluoride supplements. Fluoride can be given in liquid form or in tablets and is usually taken twice a day and can be mixed with juice, milk, water, or food.

In your conversation with your dentist, you may find that supplements are not necessary if your child drinks a lot of tap water at school or a day care, and if your toothpaste has fluoride and is used on a regular basis. Have an open conversation with your dentist about how to get enough fluoride if you are drinking mostly bottled water, or if you use any alternative to tap water.

Ultimately, discuss this with your hygienist (it's more of the hygienist's responsibilty to answer this then the dentist's) and see if they can recommend a treatment plan or alternatives outside of the dental office.

Answer 2

As far as I can tell, no mechanism exists except for large scale water treatment plants, which are controlled to a strict 0.7 parts F to 1 million parts water. There used to be supplement pills you could get for free at the pharmacy, many years ago, but now you have to get a medical prescription and pay.

Answer 3

Controlling the dose, 0.7 ppm MINUS any that is already in your water supply from well waters, could be difficult. I would not chance it without real dilution equipment rather than a peristaltic pump or some kind of venturi. Tygon can degrade and holes can clog. Mass flow controllers ain't cheap

I've considered using simple, manual dilution using either pure USP grade (or NF) Sodium Fluoride and some standard volumes (or masses). Alternatively starting from a commercial dilute solution (0.1M) is promising. Each purchase can involve less of the compound to waste (4.2 grams in solution rather than 100 grams pure). This whole idea needs some deference to shelf life of both the pure NaF and the solution as well as a slightly careful error analysis.

For the non quantitative among us, if I drink 4 liters of water tomorrow, I would have a dose of (0.7 ppm F- x 4000 g water =) 2.8 mg F-

Answer 4

Have you considered adding the correct amount of fluoride to water you are going to cook with? You mostly know how much water you use for cooking, so it would be easy to add the correct amount of fluoride salt to that water. Especially when you are making soup or other food where you consume all liquids used in the process. Additionally if you make tea or other drinks, you might add the correct amount to the water used for that as well.

Double check your calculations. Anything (including water) can become toxic if a high enough dose is given.

I have a masters degree in chemistry and teach it in high school b.t.w.