Bottled water is a popular item for grocery shoppers. There are good reasons for purchasing water at a higher cost, instead of just turning on your home faucet: preferred taste over tap water, difference in minerals, bottled water claims of filtering and purification systems, and even for the convenience of using and reusing the plastic containers. Leaving these reasons aside for a moment, is there any way in which bottled water is unquestionably deficient compared to tap water? As a matter of fact, there is.
Most bottled water lacks something so vital to the health of your teeth that many cities in the US have chosen to physically add it to public tap water.
It’s called fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral attracts other minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. Differing from other vital minerals, fluoride is rarely found in everyday foods and drinks. Too much bottled water could result in low levels of fluoride in the body. Babies who drink formula mixed only with bottled water, for example, usually do not ingest a sufficient amount of fluoride. Using tap water every now and then would help. Fluoride deficiency causes high risk for cavities.
Too much fluoride, like too much of most things, can be harmful. When your child is old enough to brush her teeth, be sure to use non-fluoridated toothpaste. Swallowing fluoridated toothpaste can cause horizontal white lines on teeth, called fluorosis. Rest assured, the fluoride in the public water supply is at a safe level – a level that will help you and your family deter cavities!
During your checkup at our office in Lake Orion Family Dentistry, Dr. Greenfield can determine if you’re deficient in fluoride. If you are, we have supplemental fluoride for patients of all ages. Also, we carry many flavors of fluoride mouth rinse.
To find out if you’re getting the right amount of fluoride, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213. Dr. Brad Greenfield and our team will be happy to schedule checkups for you and your loved ones .
