Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

Keeping your teeth healthy requires more than just daily brushing.  Fluoride, which exists naturally in water sources and is derived from one of the most common elements in the Earth’s crust, helps prevent the early stages of tooth decay.  Fluoride fights tooth decay in two ways.  First, when fluoride is ingested through drinking water it is incorporated into the structure of developing teeth.  Second, when fluoride is applied to the surface of teeth it strengthens teeth by preventing the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from breaking down tooth enamel.  Fluoride cannot prevent cavities, but it can prevent new cavities from forming.  Some communities have naturally occurring fluoride in their water, while others add it at water-processing plants.  Edmond’s water supply has a small amount of natural fluoridation but not at the recommended level.  Oklahoma City adds fluoride into their water during the treatment process.  While some people prefer to drink bottled water over tap water, remember that most bottled water lacks fluoride.  Fluoridated bottled water is now becoming available in some areas.  If fluoride is added you might see a health claim “Drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay” on the label.  The American Dental Association (ADA), the United States Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatric, and the World Health Organization all endorse community water fluoridation as safe and effective.  The CDC even identified the fluoridation of drinking water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.  So, how much fluoride do you need?  Generally, children under the age of 6 months do not need any fluoride supplements which your doctor may prescribe after 6 months of age if you live in a non-fluoridated area.  Also, children under 2 years old should not use fluoride toothpaste unless instructed by your dentist, and children under 6 years should be supervised while brushing to ensure they do not swallow too much toothpaste.  Children should use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste, and children under 6 years should not use fluoride mouth rinses.  Older children and adults may benefit from using mouth rinses with fluoride.  Fluoride can definitely be beneficial, and drinking fluoridated water where available is a cost-effective way to maintain good dental health.