Did you know that drinking tap water is good for your health and it can also save you money?
Tap water is safe, free, and readily available to all. Drinking at least 8-10 cups of water a day is important for hydration, organ functions, and it also helps neutralize harmful acids in our mouths. Sugar-sweetened beverages on the other hand are costly and can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cavities. Water is universally the best drink for our overall health!
Most water supplies contain a small amount of a mineral called fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth by coating the enamel and repairing any damaged or weakened areas of the tooth. Drinking fluoridated water can help both children and adults. It helps reduce dental decay by 25%.
To improve the dental health of our communities, tap water is carefully and optimally fluoridated. Community control of water fluoridation levels is supported by many health advocates and provider organizations, because it has been proven to be safe and effective in fighting tooth decay.
What does water fluoridation do?
- Saves money on dental treatments! – For every $1 spent on water fluoridation, about $32 is saved on dental treatments (avoiding fillings due to tooth decay).
- When young children drink fluoridated water, fluoride enters the bloodstream and strengthens their developing set of adult teeth.
- For all ages, fluoridated water mixes with our saliva to coat our teeth to defend our teeth against the “acid attack” from bacteria that causes dental decay.
Note: Please check with your local water system and their quality reports, before drinking your community’s tap water. In the Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) report, a list of the minerals found in your water will be provided. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the community water fluoridation to 0.7 parts per million (ppm). If your community’s tap water has a lower level of fluoride than 0.7ppm, talk to your dental provider about additional ways to supplement fluoride.
