Bottled Water Blamed for Increased Tooth Decay

A Federal Government study has found the incidence of tooth decay is increasing among Australian children, the ABC News reported.

Experts blame the increasing use of bottled water and a fall in dental funding.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia has the fourth lowest number of children with tooth decay among OECD nation's; however, 10 percent of four- to 15-year-olds suffer from severe oral health problems.

Jason Armfield author of the released report said that tooth decay among children is becoming worse on a yearly basis.

"When children are consuming water from bottle water supplies or rain water tanks, they're not drinking fluorinated tap water," he said.

A reduction in funding for dental care and a change in dietary habits are also to blame, Armfield added.

Source: ABC News