Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

February 28, 2025

For decades, fluoride has been added to municipal water supplies, toothpaste, and mouthwashes under the premise of preventing tooth decay. But is it really the dental hero we’ve been led to believe? Growing concerns about fluoride exposure and its potential health risks—ranging from thyroid disruption to neurological effects—have led many people to seek ways to remove fluoride from drinking water and reduce their fluoride intake altogether.

If you’re looking for fluoride removal methods that actually work, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore where fluoride is commonly found, why you might want to avoid it, and the best ways to remove it from your water and daily routine.

The practice of water fluoridation began in the United States in the 1940s. It was based on research conducted in the 1930s, which found that communities with naturally occurring fluoride in their water supply had lower rates of tooth decay. This led public health officials to believe that adding fluoride to drinking water could help prevent cavities on a large scale.

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its water systems. Over the following decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health agencies promoted community water fluoridation as a major public health achievement. By the 1960s, many cities had adopted fluoridation, with the belief that it would improve dental health nationwide.

However, the conversation around fluoride exposure has shifted in recent years, with growing evidence of adverse effects associated with excessive fluoride intake. Many communities are now reconsidering their stance on fluoridated water, particularly due to concerns about fluoride levels and long-term health risks.

Across the United States and beyond, many communities and states are choosing to remove fluoride from water due to increasing public demand. Here’s why:

• Studies have linked fluoride intake to skeletal fluorosis, thyroid issues, and neurotoxicity.

• The National Toxicology Program has raised concerns about fluoride’s presence in water, particularly for pregnant women and children.

• A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that fluoride exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower IQ scores in children.

• Critics argue that water fluoridation is a form of mass medication without consent.

• Unlike other public health interventions, fluoride cannot be easily removed by individuals without investing in fluoride water filters or reverse osmosis systems.

• Despite decades of fluoridated water, dental decay is still a significant issue among the population.

• Some researchers argue that fluoride’s benefits are primarily topical, meaning it’s more effective when applied directly to the teeth (e.g., in toothpaste) rather than ingested through potable water.

• Some experts argue that adding fluoride to water systems poses risks to aquatic ecosystems and contributes to environmental pollution.

• Municipalities spend millions of dollars annually on fluoridation efforts and water treatment processes. Some local governments are choosing to redirect these funds toward other public health initiatives.

Fluoride is more widespread than most people realize, making it difficult to avoid completely.

Here are the most common sources of fluoride exposure:

• Tap Water – Many municipal water systems add fluoride in a practice known as community water fluoridation. Call your local water department to find out if this includes you.

• Bottled Water – Some brands contain fluoride, while others do not; always check labels.

• Processed Foods & Beverages – Any food or drink made with fluoridated water (tea, soups, sodas) likely contains fluoride ions.

• Dental Products – Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes contribute to fluoride exposure, often in amounts higher than recommended, especially for children.

If you want to ensure your drinking water is fluoride-free, you need a reliable method. Here are the best fluoride removal techniques:

• How it works: Uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out fluoride content and other contaminants.

• Pros: Highly effective, removing up to 95% of fluoride.

• Cons: Requires installation, wastes some water in the process, and removes helpful minerals as well.

• Products: APEC Water Systems and iSpring.  *Make sure to add minerals back to the water.

• How it works: Uses activated alumina, a porous structure of aluminum oxide that absorbs fluoride.

• Pros: Can remove fluoride from water effectively with proper maintenance.

• Cons: Needs regular replacement and water quality monitoring.

• Products: Berkey Fluoride Filters

• How it works: Boils tap water, collects steam, and leaves fluoride ions and impurities behind.

• Pros: Removes nearly all fluoride concentration.

• Cons: Time-consuming and energy-intensive, and removes helpful minerals as well.

• Products: Pure Water, CO-Z.  *Make sure to add minerals back to the water.

• How it works: Made from animal bones, these filters naturally absorb fluoride’s presence in water.

• Pros: A natural fluoride reduction method that’s eco-friendly.

• Cons: Slower filtration process and not suitable for vegans.

• Products: Berkefeld, Cleansui

• How to find it: Research naturally occurring fluoride levels in local water supply sources.

• Pros: Chemical-free and naturally structured.

• Cons: Not accessible to everyone.

Even if you remove fluoride from drinking water, exposure can still come from fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes. The good news? You don’t need fluoride to prevent cavities and remineralize teeth.

💡 Try a fluoride-free dental routine that works with your body, not against it:

✅ Remineralizing Tooth Powder – Dentist-developed with hydroxyapatite, calcium, and trace minerals to strengthen bone formation and dental health naturally.

✅ Soothing, Fluoride-Free Mouthrinse – Alcohol-free, with naturally occurring minerals to support dental health and freshen breath.

✅ No Toxic Ingredients – Free from fluoride, sulfates, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic preservatives.

✅ Safe for the Whole Family – Perfect for kids and adults looking for a natural, fluoride-free alternative.

If you’re serious about protecting your dental health without the risks of fluoride exposure, it’s time to make the switch. Removing fluoride from water is just the first step—choose fluoride-free dental products that truly support strong, healthy teeth!

🔹 Shop our dentist-developed, fluoride-free oral care products today! 🔹

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