Bottled Water Contributing to Pediatric Tooth Decay?
A more recent look into what has been causing the rise in tooth decay in children has suspected bottled water to be the cause. It appears that “Bottled water may not have a sufficient amount of fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health,” according to a statement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Just when parents thought they were aiding in the prevention of tooth decay by leaning their children toward drinks that were free of sugar, it appeared as a shock to most. Bottled water is everywhere and has always seemed the healthiest choice to overwater out of the tap. A study by the Archives of Pediatrics found that about 45 percent of parents give their kids bottled water all of the time, completely avoiding tap water altogether. Another study, this time in the journal Pediatric Dentistry, found that 70 percent of parents gave bottled water alone or with tap water.
Does Bottled Water Contribute to Baby Tooth Decay?
The idea that bottled water contributes to pediatric tooth decay is a complex issue with no simple answer. On the one hand, bottled water can benefit children in certain circumstances, such as when they don’t have access to safe tap water or engage in strenuous physical activity. Bottled water can also be a convenient option for parents on the go.
On the other hand, there are potential risks associated with drinking bottled water. Many brands contain added sugars and sweeteners that can contribute to tooth decay. Some plastic bottles contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is linked to health problems like hormone disruption and cancer. Therefore, it is essential for parents to carefully read labels and research brands before giving their children bottled water.
Overall, while bottled water can have benefits, it should not replace regular tap water as the primary source of hydration for children.
Statistics on Youth Tooth Decay
Tooth decay affects children of all income classes, too, with rot showing in over half the children in lower income levels and by a third of the children in higher income levels.
Although no direct evidence supports that bottled water is the cause of the rise in tooth decay among children, there is evidence that fluoride, the agent contained in tap water that protects against tooth decay, is not present in all bottled waters. The International Bottled Water Association admits that at least 20 of its 125 bottlers offer fluoridated water.
If children neglect to brush with fluoride toothpaste and recommended biannual checkups, they would likely be more susceptible to tooth decay. As fluoridation of water is known to directly prevent tooth decay, avoiding its use directly or indirectly would be a mistake. This is perhaps why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have labeled fluoride “One of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.”
