Increase In Kids' Cavities Linked To Bottled Water

Bottled water is likely a factor in rising rates of tooth decay in preschoolers, says a new report from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Randall Croutze, an Edmonton dentist, said more people are drinking bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride, which works to prevent cavities. Croutze recommended drinking tap water to prevent cavities.

"It's an extremely low dose of fluoride in the water and it's only beneficial for the strong development for enamel," Croutze said.

Between 1988 and 1994, 24 per cent in the two-to-five age group had cavities, compared to 28 per cent between 1999 to 2004.

Croutze said the data "absolutely" applies to Canada as he's seen a large increase in the number of cavities in young patients because of dietary habits.

"We've seen children, 18 months old, and they'll have rampant carries that decimated their teeth. They end up with stainless steel crowns and extractions," Croutze said. "It's becoming a bigger problem."

There are several ways sugar sneaks into our diet.

For example, pop and sugary juices are obvious culprits in tooth decay, but milk, unsweetened juice, dried fruits and bottled water may be just as harmful.

Younger children are at a greater risk of developing cavities because they have thinner enamel, poorer oral hygiene and tend to eat more sugar than adults.

Children under six shouldn't brush with fluoride because they cannot properly spit the toothpaste out. If they swallow large amounts of fluoride, it can be toxic. They also need a toothpaste with a weaker taste so they brush longer.

Croutze pointed to higher cavity-rates in Calgary compared to Edmonton. Edmonton fluoridated the water in 1967, whereas Calgary did not start until 1992.

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