“I love tap water,” was part of the message the ADA (American Dental Association) sent out for the month of February, which was National Children’s Dental Month. We at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan are also sending out this message to our patients. We want our patients to know the benefits of drinking tap water instead of sugary-sweetened beverages. The theme for the campaign of 2017 is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile.”
The Benefits of Tap Water
Tap water is a much better choice for our children when compared with drinking sweet drinks that harm teeth with high sugar and acid content. However, it also contains fluoride, which has the additional benefit of helping to prevent tooth decay. It has been stated that tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. We know that fluoride can help prevent this and the most effective source of fluoride comes from tap water because it is absorbed systemically and is more easily incorporated into the tooth structure this way.
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Most bottled waters do not contain fluoride. It is important to also consider that once the seal is broken on bottled water, it becomes susceptible to bacterial contamination. Most tap water is safe to drink and delivers the benefits of providing beneficial minerals alongside the protective quality of fluoride and neutral pH.
There’s no negotiating here, water is good for you. We need water to survive. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and staying hydrated has so many benefits; some studies have even indicated that staying hydrated can help prevent cancer such as colon, bladder, and breast cancer. It also helps to flush out bacteria and make our digestive system function properly. It can help with headaches, joint pain, and even make your skin look better. We could go on and on. So, next time you are reaching for a cold beverage, consider drinking water straight from the tap to enjoy these health benefits!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
