Q: I drink bottled water, am I missing out on the benefits of fluoride?

A: Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults. It also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay.

If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride. The majority of bottled waters on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride.

However, the IBWA (International Bottle Water Association) says that there are more than 20 brands of bottled water with added fluoride available to consumers today. When fluoride is added to bottle water, the FDA requires that the term “fluoridated,” “fluoride added,” or “ with added fluoride” be used on the label.

If you feel as though you are missing out on the benefits of fluoride, speak with your dentist. There are many fluoride supplements available, which can be recommended.

So, the next time you drink bottled water, look to see if your favorite brand contains fluoride.

American Heart Association

Due to a great response to our article last week, listed below are the new guidelines set by the AHA for antibiotic prophylaxis before a dental procedure.

Preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves

2. a history of infective endocarditis

3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions including

• unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
• a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter invention, during the first six months after the procedure
• any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device

4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve

If you have any questions or concerns, ALWAYS discuss them with your dentist before your dental procedure.

Due to a great response to our article last week, listed below are the new guidelines set by the AHA for antibiotic prophylaxis before a dental procedure.

Preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions including

–unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
–a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter invention, during the first six months after the procedure
–any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device

4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

Kalil Abide, DDS – Harmony Dental Care – (601) 713-1923