The answer may surprise quite a few people but it is a definite ‘NO’.
Sales of bottled water have increased significantly over recent years with many people having concerns about the taste and purity of tap water. It has also become quite fashionable to consume bottled water at home on a regular basis as well as when out in restaurants, bars, diners and at eateries. However, there is a problem with bottled waters whether they are sparkling or still. Bottled waters usually don’t contain fluoride which helps to protect teeth from the risk of cavities and decay.
Our normal tap water goes through a strict process of purification making it clean and safe to drink. The process is designed to eliminate suspended materials, remove unpleasant tastes and eliminate odors. The process also kills any micro-organisms which could be harmful to health. Water companies will then add fluoride to tap water with the aim of reducing tooth cavities and the development of decay.
Mass water fluoridation has been a huge success for public health over the years playing an important role in dental care. The Center for Disease Control has called community water fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. In studies, fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth cavities by an amazing 60% or more.
Advice : If you drink a lot of bottled water, you can make up for any deficiency by using fluoride toothpaste or a mouth rinse. Your dentist may also suggest a fluoride supplement or treatment to protect the surfaces of your teeth; especially if they notice an increase in cavities or the surfaces of your teeth have been weakened by acids. A fluoride treatment is a straightforward and quick procedure carried out by your dentist or their hygienist. It only takes a couple of minutes at most. You will then be asked to refrain from eating for about a half hour so the treatment can work.
If you have any questions about how much fluoride is good for you or if you need a supplements/treatment, please do not hesitate to speak with Dr. Slate at her dental office in Lakewood TX.
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