Drinking
bottled water is much better for your teeth than drinking sugary
soft drinks and juices. However, the majority of bottled waters
on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride.
For over five decades, the American Dental Association has continuously
endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies and the use
of fluoride-containing products as safe and effective measures for
preventing tooth decay.
According the American
Dental Association:
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. All ground
and surface water in the U.S. contains some naturally occurring
fluoride. If a community’s water supply is fluoride-deficient
(less than 0.7 parts fluoride per million parts water), fluoridation
simply adjusts the fluoride’s natural level, bringing it
to the level recommended for decay prevention (0.7 – 1.2
parts per million).
Fluoridation is a community health measure
that benefits children and adults. Simply by drinking optimally
fluoridated water, members of a community benefit, regardless
of income, education or ethnicity – not just those with
access to dental care.
If you only
drink bottled water, it is recommended to drink special fluoridated
bottle water. If you do not have access to bottle water containing
fluoride, then using prescription strength toothpaste will help
prevent cavities from forming. As a dentist, it is amazing to see
the difference in the teeth of an individual who had fluoride in
their drinking water as opposed to someone who did not. Fluoride
does make a positive difference. I have witnessed this first hand.
