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This February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and High Point Smile Dentistry, a family dentist office in Guilford County, NC, along with the American Dental Association and ADA Foundation, would like to spread the importance of good oral health. This year’s slogan, “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile,” was picked to teach children about the benefits of drinking tap water to improve the health of their teeth.

A Family Dentist’s Guide to Fighting Tooth Decay by Drinking Tap Water

family dentistWhat Is Tooth Decay?

When the enamel on the teeth erodes, this is known as tooth decay. It occurs as a result of plaque buildup on the teeth forming a harmful acid when it comes into contact with the sugars from foods and drinks. Over time, these acids can break down the tooth enamel, and this will result in cavities. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most chronic disease in children and adolescents. In many cases, the disorder is largely preventable by practicing good dental health and visiting a family dentist regularly for checkups. However, when it is left untreated, the child could experience pain, infections, or even tooth loss. Though for younger children, this might only mean losing their baby teeth, severe tooth decay could still impact their adult teeth before they ever come in.

How Does Drinking Tap Water Prevent Tooth Decay?

In many areas of the United States, a controlled addition of fluoride is added to the public drinking water supply. This has been shown to be the most cost-effective way of preventing tooth decay and cavities. By drinking tap water, children are given an automatic defense against tooth decay. The fluoride simultaneously makes their teeth more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization. This means their teeth are creating new enamel before damage is even noticeable.

To learn more about the benefits of fluoride and drinking tap water, contact the family dentists at High Point Smile Dentistry today. You can schedule an appointment by calling (336) 884-4000, or visit them online to learn more about the dental services they offer.

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