Question 4:
 
Is it safe to let children drink distilled water?
What are some sources of fluoride (other than water)?

 
Thank you for your question from the e-Parenting Network!
 

There are no know beneficial or harmful effects associated with the ingestion of demineralized or distilled water (Health Canada, 2000).

Bottled water is water that has been packaged and treated for human consumption. One of the treatments possible is called distillation (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2002). Distillation units boil water and condense the resulting steam to create distilled water.

Distilled water is simply tap water that has undergone processes to lower mineral content and to remove chemicals such as chlorine (Health Canada, 2001). Distillers are effective for the removal of inorganic chemicals, including heavy metals, and some organic chemicals. The boiling process also kills any microorganisms (viruses, parasites and bacteria) present in the water (Health Canada, 2000).

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, tap water and bottled water are virtually the same and the risks for contamination of bottled water are the same as those for municipal water. Bottled water must be properly labeled to show how it has been treated, for example "distilled", "demineralized", or "carbonated" (Health Canada, 2001). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regularly inspects domestic and foreign bottled water sold in Canada to make sure the product meets proper regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.

Many Canadians are not aware that bottled water is a food product and, is not a sterile product. Under improper and/or prolonged storage of bottled water, bacteria can grow to levels that may be harmful to human health. A 1988 Health Canada study of bottled water kept at room temperature for 30 days showed a substantial increase in the bacterial count. To reduce microbial growth always refrigerate bottled water (Health Canada, 2001).

While the distillation process removes most of the bacteria, distillation alone cannot guarantee that bacteria will be absent in the final product. For example, unless the distillation unit and/or bottle are sterilized before being filled, microorganisms can be introduced during filling. Also, once the filled container is opened, the water is exposed to microorganisms. (Health Canada, 2000).

Remember when buying bottled water to examine the bottles closely before purchasing, and buy only bottles where the seal is unbroken. Make sure the water is clear and free of debris. You should also avoid refilling old bottles unless they have been properly cleaned and sanitized. The Food Program at Health Canada generally advises against the reuse of water bottles due to the possibility of increased exposure to contaminates (e.g., bacteria).

Most Canadians are exposed to fluorides through their drinking water supplies however, if you are drinking treated waters, for example distilled water, you may be missing the fluoride. Fluorides are important because they have a direct relation to dental health specifically preventing tooth decay (Health Canada, 2002).

If you are not getting fluoride through your water supply (contact your local health department) here are some alternatives:

1. Fluoride toothpastes (children under six should use a pea-sized amount and not swallow)
2. Fluoride supplements (pills or lozenges) (talk to your dentist)
3. Fluoride treatments (talk to your dentist)
4. Processed foods and drinks (e.g., juices)

Note that children under six should not be exposed to high levels of fluorides during the period of tooth formation because they can develop a condition that leaves their teeth discolored as well it can damage their tooth enamel (Health Canada, 2002). Do not let your children use mouthwash as they may swallow it.

Sources Searched:

Health Canada, Questions & Answers on Bottled Water
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/mh-dm/mhe-dme/e_faqs_bottle_water_eng.html

Health Canada, Questions & Answers on Drinking Water Treatment Devices
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ehp/ehd/bch/water_quality/faq_dwtd.htm#2

Health Canada, Drinking Water Guidelines
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ehp/ehd/catalogue/general/iyh/dwguide.htm

Health Canada, Water treatment Devices
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ehp/ehd/catalogue/general/iyh/disinfection_devices.htm

Health Canada, Drinking Water Away From Home
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ehp/ehd/catalogue/bch_pubs/dw_away.htm

Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Food Safety Facts on Bottled Water
www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/foodfacts/bottwate.shtml

Eco Home Products, What can I do if There is a Problem With my Drinking Water?
www.bigbrandwaterfilters.com/water_treatment_info/safe_water_epa2.html

Distiller Information
www.distilledwater.ca/distillinfo.htm

Canadian Bottled Water Association, Safety & Quality
www.cbwa-bottledwater.org/en/safety.htm

Canadian Water Quality Association
www.cwqa.com/

Health Canada, Blue Thumb
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ehp/ehd/bch/water_quality/blue_thumb.htm

Health Canada, Fluorides & Human Health
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/fluorides.html

Canadian Dental Association, Fluoride & Your Child
www.cda-adc.ca/english/your_oral_health/caring_teeth/info_for_parents/fluoride.asp

City of Ottawa, Fluoride & Healthy Teeth www.city.ottawa.on.ca/city_services/yourhealth/dental/dental_fluoride_en.shtml

Please contact these organizations for more information.

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