Does the Quality of Your Water Impact Your Oral Health?

Water is important for keeping the body hydrated and functional. It also plays an integral role in maintaining excellent oral health, as it helps generate saliva that flushes away bacteria. Does water quality matter, though? Can it impact your oral health? Continue reading to get the answers.

The Importance of pH Levels

The pH scale, ranging from zero to 14, measures alkaline and acid. The neutral point is seven, with any number above that considered alkaline and any number below acidic. When the body becomes too acidic, here are some of the issues that can arise:

• Bone resorption
• Muscle atrophy
• Mineral depletion
• Renal (kidney) problems

Oral Health Issues Specific to Acidic Water

According to Dental News, a study in Indonesia showed that consuming water with low pH levels contributed to long term oral health problems, such as tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer. This is also an issue that is prevalent in lower income areas of the United States, where there is poor water quality.

The Benefits of Tap Water

In recent years, bottled water has gained in popularity, while tap water has been maligned. However, there is evidence that bottled water may not be from the best quality source. Therefore, it can have the same variants when it comes to acidity levels. Another issue with bottled water is that it doesn’t contain fluoride, which is essential to maintaining healthy and strong teeth.

Exclusively drinking bottled water can lead to oral health issues, unless fluoride is supplemented. Alternatively, tap water generally contains fluoride, which can be more helpful in the oral health department.

Is Filtered Water a Viable Option?

Many people turn to home filters to avoid the continued costs of bottled water and to lessen the environmental impact. Filters that attach directly to the tap or are placed in a pitcher give the illusion of healthier water at an affordable price. The potential problem is that they remove the fluoride and natural trace minerals that are beneficial to teeth.

For people who live in municipalities that have poor water reports, there is the option of using a water filtration system that adds fluoride back in after the filtering process. The unwanted contaminants are still removed to allow for safe consumption.

With all the information surfacing, it’s understandable to be apprehensive about drinking tap water. To be on the safe side, research the water quality in the area you live in so you can make an educated decision about what you consume. At your next visit, you can also ask your dentist for some expert input, so that you can experience the best oral and overall health possible.

About the Author

Dr. Jerome L. Faist earned his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University. Not one to rest on his laurels, he as eagerly broadened his knowledge base by taking continuing education courses. Dr. Faist also maintains professional affiliation with the Ohio Dental Association and other organizations. He provides exceptional preventive and comprehensive dental care at Orange Place Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.