Bottled water threatens dental health, study finds
Consumers who choose bottled water over tap water are risking their dental health, a study has found.
Tap water is a valuable source of fluoride, which protects teeth from cavities.
Researchers tested over 100 different brands of bottled water, and found that only 5 met the US-government-recommended range of 0.7-1.2 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride.
Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Dr Patricia Meredith said: “Parents should be in charge of how much bottled water their kids drink, in order to make sure that that they also receive the proper amount of fluoridated water that will keep their teeth healthy.
“With soda and energy drinks being as popular as they are, not to mention the attractiveness of sugary snacks, children’s mouths are constantly fighting cavity-causing bacteria. Something as simple as drinking water from the tap is a no-nonsense and cost-effective way to prevent cavities.”
The study was published in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of the Academy of General Dentistry’s journal, General Dentistry.
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