Bottled Water and Cavities

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  Bottled Water and Cavities Marc Straus | CWK Network
 
 
“If you still found that your [tap] water wasn’t safe, you could always go and get yourself fluoridated bottled water.”
– Claudia Tomaselli, DMD, Pediatric Dentist

  Related Information What Parents Need To Know Resources

Tooth decay is on the rise in North America. And you may be surprised at one of the potential culprits.

Nine-year-old Zachary Picciano brushes and flosses regularly and takes good care of his teeth… but still, he’s had several cavities over the past few years.

Five, to be exact.

His mom, Lisa Picciano, isn’t thrilled at the number. “Five cavities! Which is not a great thing.”

Why so many?

Part of the reason may be the water Zachary and his family drinks.

Lisa explains, “We have bottled water in the house, and we also have a water machine with the large jugs of water. So we have lots of spring water in the house.” And Zach acknowledges that, “I mostly drink the big jug of water.”

And none of the water they drink contains fluoride.

The head of Canada’s Dental Association says that’s why cavities are on the rise in young children.

But the problem is many families, like the Piccianos, prefer bottled water. “It just tastes better,” Lisa says, “and it just seems cleaner. Because you never really know exactly what’s in your tap water, other than the fluoride.”

Claudia Tomaselli, DMD, a pediatric dentist says that while tap water, “is not as good tasting as the bottled water… it does add some benefit. And that will help build stronger teeth if you drink it when you’re a kid.”

The solution, she says, is simple. “The good part is that you can find bottled water with fluoride added to it. So if you still felt that your water wasn’t safe, you could always go and get yourself fluoridated bottled water.”

She says whatever water you choose, good dental hygiene and eating habits also are essential to prevent cavities. “ Kids are getting more sugar; they’re having less time to brush their teeth.” And that’s why, she says, “any extra fluoride that you can get… will definitely help out.&rdquo

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By Larry Eldridge
CWK Network, Inc.

Many dentists and parents are worried that kids are drinking too much soda and that they are at risk for developing dental caries (cavities). However, many of those same parents and dentists would be shocked if they were told that bottled water can also be detrimental to healthy teeth. That’s because most bottled water does not contain fluoride – one of the most important minerals for strong, healthy teeth. For more information about the importance of fluoride and its prevalence in your water supply, visit the CDC’s Water Fluoride website.

 
By Larry Eldridge
CWK Network, Inc.

PareThe National Soft Drink Association points out that many factors contribute to cavities, including the types of foods that are consumed, the amount of time those foods are in the mouth and lack of proper oral hygiene.

Cavities are caused by plaque, a build-up of bacteria on the tooth enamel. Sugar plays a harmful role in the development of cavities because it provides energy for the bacteria to multiply more quickly. The sugar is turned into a kind of glue that makes it harder for the bacteria to be washed away with saliva.

Plaque that does not get washed or brushed away produces acid as it eats up the sugar. The acid dissolves the minerals that make up the tooth enamel and a cavity is formed.

The American Dental Association recommends parents use the following tips to prevent tooth decay:

  • Eat a balanced diet and limit the number or between-meal snacks. Sugared foods and starches, such as bread, crackers and cereal, cause bacteria to flourish.
  • If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, chess or a piece of fruit.
  • Brush teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
  • Use toothpaste that contains flouride which helps protect teeth from decay.
  • Use floss or interdental cleaner to clean between the teeth once a day.
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Soft Drink Association
American Dental Association