Evaluating the effects of fluoridated bottled water on dental health in children

Phase II, proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to evaluate dental caries preventive effects of fluoridated bottle water

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10897119

This study is looking at whether drinking fluoridated bottled water can help prevent cavities in kids who live in places without fluoridated tap water, and it involves about 470 babies from Kinston, NC.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10897119 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential dental health benefits of fluoridated bottled water for children living in areas without fluoridated public water systems. It involves a randomized controlled trial where approximately 470 infants born in Kinston, NC, will be monitored to assess the preventive effects of consuming fluoridated bottled water on dental caries. The study aims to provide scientific evidence to support the use of fluoridated bottled water as a public health strategy for improving dental health in communities lacking fluoridated tap water.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are infants born within the study period in Kinston, NC, who are living in non-fluoridated water areas.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those living in areas with fluoridated public water systems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental health outcomes for children by promoting the use of fluoridated bottled water.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been observational studies on fluoride benefits, this is a novel approach as it is the first randomized controlled trial specifically evaluating fluoridated bottled water.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.