Bottled Water And Oral Health

Welcome back to the Butte Family Dental blog!

Here in Butte, MT we are always reminded of our past. For one thing, the mountains that surround us feel ancient. And we have amazing examples of Victorian architecture throughout town. What’s more, there are remnants of a once great mining infrastructure that drew people here and fueled the fantasies of prospectors across America.

But we seem to be forgetting some important historical accomplishments that were related to oral health in this country.

You see, there was a time, not so long ago, when disease and decay were destroying the smiles of many among us.

It seemed like a hopeless situation until some forward-thinking health advisors convinced the government to do something about it.

The Government Saved Our Smiles

We often think of “Big Government” as something that is out of control and operating in the interests of the politicians who run it. But that isn’t always the case.

Midway through the 20th century, this country took on an ambitious project that focused on the fluoridation of public water in an attempt to lower the rates of tooth decay for the entire population.

For kids growing up now, this is something that is taken for granted.

Ever since this process first began the incidence of tooth decay has been significantly lowered decade after decade in the United States.

Unfortunately, in recent years, it looks like that trend might be changing for the worse.

Convenience Vs. Health

You might find this hard to believe but this recent rise in reported tooth decay appears to be correlated to our increased consumption of bottled water in the last decade or two.

True story!

So water can cause cavities?

No!

The water in the bottles isn’t creating cavities.

But the more you drink bottled water, the less you will consume tap water.

And that is a problem because our tap water is engineered to prevent cavities with all the fluoride it contains.

So, why is this happening?

Bottled water is easy to come by and not very costly to purchase.

And it feels healthy compared to sugary sodas or sports drinks.

Many people in Butte, MT buy bottled water for their family based on the popular misconception that tap water is polluted, while bottled water is more natural.

Some folks even convince themselves that bottled water tastes better.

In reality, public water companies are held accountable for following safety guidelines regarding tap water, while bottled water manufacturers are not regulated in this way.

It just seems silly to pay for something that pollutes the environment with plastic when you could get a free version that does not cause any such damage and contains oral health benefits in the form of fluoride.

But that’s just us. And preserving the oral health of the community is our business.

Tap Water: Tastes Great, Less Filling, Cavity-Free

The American Dental Association has observed that simply by drinking tap water, Americans can benefit from cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.

How great is that?

That’s why we want you to be aware of the consequences of relying on bottled water for hydration.

As your partner in oral health, we don’t want you to deny yourself and your children all the benefits of the fluoride found in our Butte, MT tap water.

Butte Family Dental Is On Your Side

To make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy and clean, practice good hygiene and drink plenty of tap water.

And don’t forget to schedule your regular visits to Butte Family Dental for teeth cleanings and oral examinations.

Contact us today to make an appointment in our Butte, MT dentist’s office.