How Bottled Water Can Actually Ruin Your Teeth

As a dentist, when you are at the store purchasing beverages for the week, you might skip past the energy drinks and the soda because you know that they can damage your teeth. After all, you lecture both children and adults on what they should and should not consume on a daily basis and it is smart to practice what you preach. But as a dentist, did you know that the bottled water you purchased at the check stand has the potential to ruin your teeth as well. With so much focus on your dental practice marketing and learning the new Apple dental practice management programs, you might not have time to keep up with all of the latest scientific discoveries in the field. One valuable discovery you should know about is how tap water may be more beneficial to your oral health.

A Lack of Fluoride is Bad News for Your Teeth

Bottled water can lead to more tooth decay and ultimately more cavities in both children and adults who drink only their favorite bottled brands. One of the main reasons why bottled water can be damaging to the teeth is because it lacks fluoride. While some brands do include fluoride, the levels of fluoride that are found in the water are typically less than what is recommended for good oral health. While 60% of the population has access to tap water that has high levels of fluoride in the water supply, a majority of the population drinks bottled water because they believe it is safer and healthier. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease.

What Does Fluoride Do For the Teeth?

Fluoride is a very essential mineral. While this mineral can benefit the body in a number of different ways, when it comes to your teeth it will make your tooth structure more resistant to decay that leads to cavities and will promote re-mineralization that can repair the damage that has already been caused. While fluoride is important to oral health, too much of it can lead to enamel discoloration.

Change your habits and tell all of your patients about recent studies that show that bottled water can damage the teeth. By supplementing your water with fluoride, you can prevent cavities and prevent the formation of plaque and prevent the need for fillings in the future. As a dentist, the last thing you want to do is sit in the exam chair and find out you have tooth decay because of the water you choose to drink.

2 comments:

  1. Reading this article was an experience. I enjoyed all the information you provided and appreciated the work you did in getting it written.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice article, i'm not too convinced that tap water is good for your teeth though, going to ask my dentist at http://comfortcaredentalaz.com/

    ReplyDelete

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