Fluoride concentration in bottled waters sold in Chile

Background: Bottled water consumption has currently increased and their fluoride (F) concentration may not be ideal in terms of caries benefit or risk of fluorosis. While low concentrations would have little anticaries effect, high F concentration would increase the risk of dental fluorosis. Aim: To measure F concentration in bottled waters sold in Chile. Material and Methods: Thirty bottles of water were purchased (15 sold as mineral water, six sold as purified water and nine as flavored water). Samples were analyzed in duplicate with a previously calibrated ion-specific electrode. Mean F concentration of each product was calculated and expressed as ppm F (mg F/L). Results: A mean (+/- SD) concentration of 0.39 +/- 0.42, 0.02 +/- 0.006 and 0.11 +/- 0.18 ppm F for mineral, purified and flavored waters respectively, was found. Three samples were within the optimal F concentration recommended for drinking water in Chile, which ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 ppm F. Two were above such concentration and the others below Only two waters displayed F concentration information in the label, which was corroborated by the analysis. Conclusions: Only 10% of the bottled waters commercialized in Chile have potential to prevent caries. The F concentration in most of them does not represent an increased risk of fluorosis.