It is widely known that drinking soda, beer and coffee are bad for your teeth but, not as many people know that bottled water can be harmful as well. If you are going to drink bottled water it is important to know which to choose and which to avoid.
Essential Tips for Choosing Bottled Water
Here are some tips to consider when drinking bottled water. Make sure to choose water with a PH level over 5 because our enamel starts to erode at a PH level under 5.5. PH can range from 0 to 14. Brands of water that are over 5 include Poland Springs: 7, Fiji: 8, Essentia: 8 and Evian: 8.5. Some of the lower PH brands are Smartwater: 4, Aquafina: 4, Dasani: 4 and Voss: 4.
Understanding the Role of Fluoride in Bottled Water
Another thing to monitor in bottled water is Fluoride. Tap water is regulated by the government so it has the proper amount of Fluoride which is 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. The lack of fluoride in bottled water can be harmful to your teeth. It is important to drink the bottle of water within 30 minutes. Just like sucking on sugary hard candy, sipping water with a lower PH level will cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. The longer you take to drink the water, the more damage can be done.
Contrary to what some might think, there is no reason to avoid drinking tap water. In fact, there is evidence that drinking tap water is good for children’s teeth, especially children between the age of 0-5 years. So, drink up!
Dailymail.com, Maggie O’Neill For. “Bottled Water Can Be Acidic and Erode Your Tooth Enamel.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 11 Aug. 2017, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4782672/Bottled-water-acidic-erode-tooth-enamel.html.
Does Smart Water Have Fluoride?
Smart Water is a popular brand of bottled water that is vapor-distilled and contains added electrolytes. However, it does not contain added fluoride. If you’re relying solely on bottled water like Smart Water for your hydration, you might be missing out on the cavity-fighting benefits of fluoride.
To ensure you’re getting enough fluoride to protect your teeth, consider drinking fluoridated tap water or using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Drink Water?
If you experience tooth pain when drinking water, it could be due to enamel erosion or tooth sensitivity. Acidic bottled water can contribute to this problem. When enamel wears away, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, making your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes and acidic foods and drinks.
Bottled Water to Avoid
Not all bottled waters are created equal when it comes to dental health. Some bottled waters can be more acidic or lack essential minerals that benefit your teeth. Here are a few types of bottled water to be cautious about:
Flavored Water
Flavored bottled waters often contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, the flavoring agents can make the water more acidic, increasing the risk of enamel erosion.
Mineral Water
Mineral water contains various minerals, which can be beneficial for overall health. However, some mineral waters have a high mineral content that may not be ideal for everyone. It’s essential to check the label for the specific mineral content and choose a water that suits your needs.
Distilled Water
Distilled water has been purified to remove impurities, including minerals. While it can be beneficial for certain uses, drinking distilled water exclusively might not provide your teeth with the necessary minerals to stay strong and healthy.
Choosing the Right Bottled Water
To protect your teeth, it’s crucial to choose bottled water with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH and adequate mineral content. Here are some tips for selecting the best bottled water for your dental health:
Check the pH Level
Opt for bottled water with a pH level of 7 or higher. Alkaline water can help neutralize acids in the mouth and protect tooth health enamel.
Look for Added Fluoride
Some bottled waters contain added fluoride, which can help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Check the label to see if fluoride has been added.
Avoid Added Sugars and Flavors
Choose plain bottled water without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or flavoring agents. These additives can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion.