As one of the most popular beverages in the country, bottled water is preferred over tap water by many individuals for its taste, quality and on-the-go convenience. While it has been of environmental concern lately, bottled water may also affect your dental health, as it is lacking one important nutrient that tap water does have.

Fluoride is an element found naturally in tap water and other sources that protects teeth from tooth decay, as it prevents plaque from dissolving tooth enamel. When combined with a healthy diet and regular dental care, fluoride provides even more protection against decay. This element is especially important for children, whose developing teeth are at an increased risk for decay and need to build strength as the child grows.

In most cases, children and adults alike receive enough fluoride from tap water and their toothpaste, with no need for additional supplements. However, with the recent surge in bottled water, some people may not be receiving enough of this nutrient, and it is considered one of the factors that have led to an increase in cavities.

While you may opt for the benefits of bottled water, it is important to recognize the value of tap water and ensure that you receive a sufficient supply of fluoride in order to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Be sure to check your bottled water to see if it contains enough or any fluoride for effective protection against decay.

What we eat plays a major role in the health of our teeth, as certain foods, such as soda and candy, can damage tooth enamel and eventually lead to decay. We learn about the effects of these foods at a young age and are taught to consume them sparingly to help prevent cavities and keep ourselves healthy.

However, certain foods and habits that are not as widely discussed can also have a negative impact on the enamel of your teeth. While soda is considered highly damaging, essentially any canned beverage, whether carbonated or not, is also extremely damaging to your teeth. Some foods that may not seems as toxic, such as ice cream, pickles and yogurt, have low acidic values that can harm the teeth if consumed too often. Even fruits and vegetables can lead to tooth decay.

It’s practically impossible to avoid all of the different foods that can lead to tooth decay, but fortunately there are ways to still maintain oral health. Eating a balanced diet ensures that your teeth will receive the nutrients they need, and sweets are acceptable as long as they are only consumed sporadically. When eating sugary foods, it is best to do so in a timely manner, as consuming it over an extended period of time also prolongs your teeth’s exposure to the sugar.

Carbohydrates can be damaging as well, so it is best to eat them as part of a meal instead of alone. The other types of food in your meal will neutralize the acid in the mouth and help to prevent decay. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and helps consume food better as well.

In addition to these preventive techniques, it is important for everyone to brush their teeth twice a day and to see their dentist on a regular basis to stop decay from building up and to treat any cavities as soon as they are detected.