You know drinking plenty of water is crucial for keeping your body hydrated, but that’s not the only reason it’s important. Water can also influence your oral health. Believe it or not, the quality of the H20 you’re drinking can impact your smile depending on where it lies on the acidic and alkaline scale. In addition, trace minerals can either help or hurt your smile. Here’s what you need to know about water’s effect on your oral health.
High Acidity Levels
There are many beverages to quench your thirst, but your dentist recommends you avoid any that have added sugars or carbonation because they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, they recommend drinking water whenever possible, but not all sources are the same. Water can be anywhere between acidic and alkaline. Studies have found high acidity is damaging to your smile.
In the United States, all you must do is turn on the faucet to have a steady supply of refreshing water. The U.S. has certain standards to ensure the water you’re drinking is clean and safe. As a result, you can rest assured the glass in your hand has a proper balance.
Benefits of Tap Water
Public water sources in the U.S. have fluoride added. The natural-occurring mineral is known to increase the health and strength of teeth. In fact, many professionals call it “nature’s cavity fighter.” Unfortunately, tap water has gotten a bad rap over the years for being unsafe, which is why many people choose bottled water as an alternative. Despite what you may have heard, bottled water isn’t any better than what’s available through your faucet. Water in a bottle can actually be less beneficial because it doesn’t contain fluoride, so it won’t give your teeth the protection they need to be resistant to decay.
In addition to the lack of fluoride, bottled water can be costly. Not to mention, plastic bottles usually end up polluting the environment. To combat the cost and environmental impact, many homes turn to filtered water systems.
Choosing Filtered Water
There are a variety of types, such as refillable pitchers and systems that attach to the faucet. Despite your intentions to make your water safer, filtration can remove fluoride and other beneficial minerals. With many filtration systems on the market, it’s best to choose one that allows necessary nutrients to remain in the water while removing any contaminants.
Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Smile
It’s best to always drink water when possible. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also cleanses your teeth between brushing and flossing. You can promote strong teeth and a healthy smile by reaching for a glass of tap water every time.
About Dr. Marc Thomas
Dr. Thomas earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific. He has completed additional training throughout his career to offer the latest treatments and techniques to help his patients maintain optimal oral health. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.