plain tap water is the best drink to quench your thirst
water is essential for our bodies to function normally
our bodies lose water regularly through sweat, urine and breathing
most of South Australia’s tap water is fluoridated, which helps protect teeth against decay
SA Dental Service recommends that no fluoride tablets or supplements are used
if your tap water is not fluoridated, please contact your dental clinic for more advice
not all bottled water contains fluoride, but it is still a healthy alternative to soft drinks and fruit juice
some tap filters remove fluoride, contact the manufacturer to ask about your filter
How much water should children drink?
The Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia (NHMRC, 2003) state that:
plain tap water is best for teeth
children should drink to satisfy their thirst by drinking tap water often throughout the day
children should drink tap water instead of fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks and soft drinks
children’s fluid needs depend on their body size, the climate and their physical activity levels
children need to drink an increased amount of tap water before and during exercise
water does not need to be boiled for children aged over six months, if you are unsure of water quality, boil the water and cool before use
Encourage your children to drink tap water
most children lead active lives but often forget to drink, remind children to drink tap water every day
send your child to kindergarten or school with a drink bottle filled with tap water, many schools and kindergartens allow children to drink water in the classroom, this is a great way to encourage children to drink water during the day
let children see you enjoying tap water
have jugs of tap water and cups on hand so children can help themselves, make drinking tap water more fun by adding different shaped ice cubes
tea, coffee, sports or ‘energy’ drinks and alcohol should not be given to children
limit fruit juice to one small glass each day with a meal
remember cordial and soft drinks are to be consumed occasionally - not every day
Related information
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Tap Water - the best drink for everyone!
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