Pinedale Dental

Cavities Are On The Rise - Due To WHAT?

Published on January 29, 2010 by Dr. Kevin Kunard in Dental Care Tips, News,

Cavities Are On The Rise - Due To WHAT?

Something that many people consider to be healthy is actually causing an increase in dental decay among children and many adults.  For the first time in decades cavity rates are up and many dentists are reporting that adult patients who didn’t appear to be cavity prone are showing up with decay around existing fillings and crowns.  Decay is even being found on otherwise healthy teeth - something that for a while seemed pretty rare.

The culprit?
Many believe it is bottled water.  While most of us know that drinking sugar loaded soft drinks and their sneaky cousins, the “sports drink” can lead to dental disaster, we often don’t remember that unlike tap water, bottled water does not contain fluoride.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that bottled water has become so prevalent in the diets of children and adults that many are not getting the proper amount of fluoride.  According to the International Bottled Water Association, the bottled water consumption has recently doubled and the average American now drinks thirty gallons a year.  Believing that it healthier, many parents are not only having their kids drink bottled water, they are preparing baby formula with it too!

So what should you do?
We suggest you drink tap water whenever possible.  Not only will you save money, you will be doing your teeth a big favor!  Of course make sure that you brush often with fluoride toothpaste and floss everyday.

If you have water that is not fluoridated (like the town of Pinedale) or for some other reason you are not getting the fluoride you need, please stop in for a visit.  Many times we recommend special rinses or prescription fluoride treatment so you can keep your teeth cavity free.  Most wells in the area contain natural fluoride to protect your teeth.

Please discuss any concerns you may have with Dr. Kunard or any of our fantastic hygienists, Kelly Kunard, Cassy Johnston, or Tayte Racich.

At Pinedale Dental, we are here for you! Please make sure you are getting the most up-to-date information on your health and other great stuff as well by becoming a Facebook Fan.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.  Please call us at 307-367-3700 with any comments or suggestions or to schedule an appointment.

---