As every dental nurse knows, drinking water is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of achieving hydration without damaging teeth.

The British Water Cooler Association (BWCA), the leading organisation in its sector, has just published a free Hydration Fact Sheet called Why Water Matters for Dental Practices.

It points out that, as part of the preventative advice on avoiding dental caries and gum disease, it can be beneficial to recommend that patients consume the simplest drink of all – water.

Installing water-coolers is a good idea to achieve hydration sustainably, cost-effectively and hygienically.

One of the most convenient ways of offering water in the surgery or waiting room is through a water cooler.

The other benefit is that by setting the example of serving water via a water cooler, you are showing the way in sustainability too. For those wishing to avoid single use plastics, water coolers are ideal.

The Fact Sheet offers guidance to the practice manager on choosing the type of water cooler that is best for your circumstances. It also contains a hydration chart which you may wish to show to patients, illustrating how checking the colour of urine is a useful means of assessing whether one is dehydrated.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, General Manager of the BWCA, says: 'Whichever style of water cooler you choose, make sure you choose a supplier that is a member of the BWCA, as we ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene. BWCA Members must adhere to Codes of Practice and undergo independent annual audits so stands are of the highest levels".

Visit http://www.bwca.org.uk/find-a-member.php to find a suitable supplier.

To obtain a copy of the fact sheet, contact your BWCA supplier if you already have one or email info@bwca.org.uk to request a free copy.


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