Something that many people consider to be healthy is actually causing an increase in dental decay among children and many adults.  For the first time in decades cavity rates are up and many dentist are reporting that adult patients who didn’t appear to be cavity prone are showing up with decay around existing fillings and crowns.  Decay is even being found on otherwise healthy teeth – something that for a while seemed pretty rare.

The culprit?  Many believe it is bottled water.  While most of us know that drinking sugar loaded soft drinks and their sneaky cousins, the “sports drink”, can lead to dental disaster, we often don’t remember that unlike tap water, bottled water does not contain fluoride.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that bottled water has become so prevalent in the diets of children and adults that many are not getting the proper amount of fluoride.  According to the International Bottled Water Association, bottled water consumption has recently doubled and the average North American now drinks over 110 liters per year.  Believing that it is healthier, many parents are not only having their kids drink bottled water, they are preparing baby formula with it too!

So what should you do?  We suggest you drink tap water whenever possible.  Not only will you save money, you will be doing your teeth a big favor!  Of course make sure that you brush often with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day.

If you have water that is not fluoridated (such as well water) or for some other reason you are not getting the fluoride you need, please stop in for a visit.  Many times we recommend special rinses or prescription fluoride treatment so you can keep your teeth cavity free!

Please discuss any concerns you may have with Dr. Liu or our fantastic hygienists, Angela and Trish.