If we want more evidence-based practice, we need more practice-based evidence.*

DEBATE TOPICS

Should parents give their children mainly bottled water?

Pros:

    Avoid impurities in some water systems.

    Some brands of bottled water have added fluoride to their water.

    Fluoride missing from bottled water may be obtained from other sources.

    Children may prefer to drink bottled water more often than tap water, if tap water has chlorine taste or turbidity.

Cons:

    Kids won’t get enough fluoride to prevent cavities.

    Same issue with soft drinks.

    Bottled water may be unnecessarily expensive.

    Kids may refill bottles, which may be contaminated with microorganisms.

References:

1) Ayo-Yusuf, O.A., Kroon, J., & Ayo-Yusuf, I.J.  Fluoride concentration of bottled drinking waters.  SADJ. 2001;56(6):273-6.