[Evaluation of fluoride content of bottled drinking waters in Brazil]

The utilization of a systemic fluoride method must be controlled in terms of risks and benefits. The reason for this is that while a small dose will not be effective in preventing dental caries, a larger dose may cause dental fluorosis. Therefore the knowledge of the fluoride concentration found in the bottled mineral waters sold throughout the Brazilian market the consumption of which has increased lately, is of great concern. The objective of the study was the analysis of the concentration of fluoride found in the bottled mineral waters. A hundred and four brands coming from different regions of Brazil were analysed using an Orion 96-09 ion specific electrode and an Orion EA 940 ionanalyser. previously calibrated with standard fluoride solutions. Different concentrations of fluoride ranging from 0.0 to 4.4 were found. It was discovered that specific bottled waters contained: 1) Significant concentrations of fluoride not reported by the producer; 2) Fluoride concentrations of no preventive effect, although the producer had advertised the water as a Fluoridated Mineral Water; 3) Fluoride concentrations high enough to cause dental fluorosis, although the producer did not alert the consumer to this fact. It is to be concluded, therefore, that a sanitary regulatory system for the control of the level of fluoride in the bottled mineral waters marketed is necessary. Such reputation should be formulated in terms of benefits as well as in terms of risks.