Accuracy of Fluoride Levels in the Bottled Drinking Water Products Sold in Hamadan, Iran

Statement of the Problem: Generally the main source of fluoride intake is drinking water. Excessive consumption of bottled water as a substitute or in addition to the tap water supply may have implications for safe fluoride supplementation. In this study fluoride contents in six commercial brands of bottled water were measured. Materials and Methods: Six different brands of bottled drinking water available in Hamadan, Iran, were selected. The fluoride concentration was determined in the laboratory by using a HACH spectrophotometer. The standard SPANDS method was used to determine fluoride ion concentration. Results: The range of fluoride content of various bottled water products was 0.09‒0.7 mg/L. In all the samples the fluoride contents on the labels were different from the measurements in the laboratory. Conclusion: The manufacturers’ labeling of fluoride concentrations in Iran may be inaccurate. When prescribing fluoride supplements dentists should be aware of the fluoride content of bottled water products used by pediatric patients.