Is Bottled Water Good For Your Child?

December 08, 2017 ABC Children's Dentistry

If you and family regularly drink bottled water rather than the tap version, you may be experiencing an increase risk in tooth decay by missing out on much needed fluoride.

In this issue, we’ll talk about what’s going on.

Aren’t all bottled waters the same?

Hardly. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and classifies bottled water depending upon its origin.

For example:

• Artesian water is collected from an aquifer after passing through rock and sediment;
• Spring water is bottled after bubbling to the surface naturally from an underground formation; and
• Mineral water, which must contain naturally added minerals, is collected from an underground source.

Does bottled water contain fluoride?

Bottled water may contain some fluoride, but it depends upon where the water comes from. While you can determine how the water was purified by examining the label, the FDA does not require manufacturers to list the specific amounts of fluoride unless it’s been added within established limits.

Do children who do not drink tap water at risk of tooth decay?

According to a just-published study, they are. In a bit of “good news, bad news,” the results confirmed that children and adolescents who did not drink tap were more inclined to have tooth decay but less likely to have increased levels of lead in their bodies.

Why is fluoride so important?

As we wrote in a previous blog entry, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, and prevents it from being stripped away from acids in our food.

Is San Diego tap water safe?

Yes, the California water supply does have small amounts of fluoride added.

For expert, quality pediatric dental care in San Diego, call ABC Children’s Dentistry.

We’re committed to providing customized, caring and fun dental care for your child. To schedule an appointment, call us 858-780-9794 or get in touch with us via email or online.