Water is one of the single most important substances we put into our bodies. We're constantly losing fluids as we go about our day, and drinking water is the best way to restore those fluids. Experts recommend drinking around half a gallon of water per day, to maintain hydration and keep your body healthy.
But that raises the question: what type of water is best for your oral health? Is there a difference between bottled water and tap water? Let's take a look.
Bottled vs Tap Water and Your Oral Health
The primary difference between bottled water and tap water is that the bottled water has been filtered, and sometimes distilled, to remove impurities. In many cases, bottled water is actually just tap water that's been run through a lot of filtration systems.
The issue is that these filters remove all the minerals and other extra content - and that's not always a good thing. The human body needs trace amounts of a number of different minerals, which are typically found in water. Stripping these out of bottled water will remove some of its health benefits.
Plus, there's another major factor: fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral which has been long recognized as combating tooth decay. Most places in the United States, as well as many cities around the world, add small amounts of fluoride to its tap water supply to help protect their citizens' teeth. Over and over, this has been shown to greatly reduce cavities and other dental problems among people drinking fluoridated water.
Fluoride is also stripped out of bottled water, when it's filtered.
A second element to consider is the pH levels of water. Tap water is generally regulated to have a neutral pH level, which is less likely to cause dental erosion. Some bottled waters labeled mineral or natural may have varying pH levels that may increase the acidity thus contributing to dental erosion over time.
Convenience and accessibility should also be considered. Hydration is so important to overall health, including dental health. Having a water supply that is clean and accessible maintains proper hydration.
So, all things being equal, tap water is a great choice for your teeth. It contains minerals and fluoride which protect your teeth, neutral pH and readily accessible.
Drinking tap water alone won't protect your teeth - you also need to brush and floss regularly, and see your friendly local dentist at least once a year for a checkup. If you haven't had a professional cleaning recently, schedule an appointment with Plainsboro Dental Care, 609-799-4422, to protect your smile.