Tap Water Provides Needed Fluoride for Children

Delta Dental Plans Association (Delta Dental) encourages parents to reconsider the value of tap water in this age as the trend to drink premium-labeled water grows.

The problem with most bottled water is it does not meet the daily needs of fluoride, an additive that helps prevent tooth decay. As more people rely on bottled water, the decrease in caries, or cavities, experienced in part due to fluoride addition to water, may reverse.

"Parents should be aware of the importance of fluoride to children’s health as tooth decay occurs faster in children than in adults," stresses Robert Dennison, DMD, Chairperson, Dental Policy, Delta Dental. "Delta Dental Plans Association believes that tap water may be the best alternative for children in order to help maintain their healthy smiles."

The content of fluoride in tap water is relatively small – about 1 part per million – yet enough to strengthen the developing teeth of children. American Dental Association research shows that fluoride prevents between 40 and 60 percent of cavities in children and adults who live in communities with fluoridated water.

"The irony is that while water is good for you, your teeth need the extra boost that bottled water can’t give," says Dennison. "And because fluoride is already included in tap water, the use of bottled water should be somewhat limited, especially for children.

Young, beautiful teeth should receive their requirements of fluoride to prevent cavities."

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