Disclaimer: This is a guest post that was not written by The Fashionable Housewife. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Fashionable Housewife.
We all want the best for our kids, and it can often seem like if something costs more, it should automatically be better – which is why many parents give their children bottled water instead of the stuff that comes out of the tap. However, counterintuitive as it may sound, tap water is actually better for your children, for the simple reason that it contains added fluoride. Bottled water doesn’t have any additives, and so while it does contain small amounts of naturally occurring fluoride, this isn’t enough to offer the oral health benefits of fluoridated tap water.
Why Is Fluoride Important for Kids?
Fluoride is beneficial to everybody’s teeth, but for kids whose teeth are still growing, it is even more important. It has been shown in countless studies to reduce cavities, and can in some cases even reverse them. Nothing creates a lifelong fear of the dentist like getting a tooth filled as a child, and if you want your children to have beautiful, pain free smiles, you can find out more about fluoride and children’s teeth at ilikemyteeth.org
What About the Fluoride in Their Toothpaste?
Most toothpaste contains added fluoride to help your dental health, and it is important to make sure you use fluoride toothpaste for your kids. However, because fluoride toothpaste is designed under the assumption the people using it also drink fluoridated water, the levels are not sufficient on their own to prevent cavities. Fluoride toothpaste certainly helps, as do other products like fluoride mouthwash, but for fluoride to properly enter your child’s body they need to be drinking fluoridated water as well – and this means tap water!
What If They Don’t Like Tap Water?
Some kids can be fussy, and may turn their noses up at a glass of tap water. There are still plenty of other ways to ensure they get fluoridated water every day however, for instance using fluoridated tap water to mix sugar free drinks they enjoy, or even freezing them to make popsicles that will of course also contain that all important fluoride. Keep a pitcher of tap water in the fridge too, so they can have it cold and refreshing instead of at the temperature it comes out at, especially in summer. Explain to them why tap water is better for them than bottled, and encourage them to drink it when they are out and about, too.
Not Just for Kids
The discussion around bottled water and fluoride doesn’t stop at your kids. Fluoridated tap water is better for your teeth too, and even your pets’ teeth! If you prefer bottled water for the taste or because you prefer sparkling water, make sure you also get a good amount of tap water by using it when you make things like iced teas.
The fluoride in our tap water offers some great health benefits and of course, it is far cheaper to drink that rather than bottled, so encourage your family to make the switch.
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or dentist for more information on Flouride before taking action.
