The rise of bottled water (BW) consumption is a dental public health concern. This mixed-methods study aimed to 1) identify trends and determinants of water-drinking practices among children presenting to an academic dental institution over 15 years, and 2) understand Latino community members' experiences with fluoridated community water (CW) and views on strategies to promote its consumption.

Analyses of electronic health record data showed that BW consumption increased from 17% in 2004 to 42% in 2016 (n = 2,920, P < 0.05). Medicaid-enrolled children [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8--2.4] and those living in rural areas (PR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1--1.5) were significantly more likely to consume BW over CW than those without Medicaid and those in urban areas, respectively.

Interviews with 15 Latino parents and key informants revealed a 'lack of knowledge about safety and fluoridation of CW' and 'ingrained upbringings that devalued CW.' Spanish-speaking health professionals may be promising promoters of CW consumption.