Blog post by Dr. Jarrod Jones
Did you know that Americans drink an average of 30 gallons of bottled water each year? Beer and soda are the only other bottled drinks more often consumed. We know that the acidic elements in both beer and soda can eat away at your tooth enamel, but what about bottled water? Is it really better for you than tap water?
We all know that drinking water is healthy for our bodies. Staying hydrated keeps nutrients traveling through our bodies while ridding waste, maintaining the elasticity of our skin and helping our muscles to continue to move well. We also know that it can strengthen our teeth! Drinking water helps to wash away unwanted food and sugar that is left behind while consuming food and other beverages. It also helps keep your mouth from being dry, which is something that can also assist in tooth decay by keeping an adequate amount of protective saliva in the mouth.
The American Dental Association endorses the addition of fluoride in public water supplies. There is adequate evidence regarding the link between good oral hygiene and good overall health. Fluoridated water plays a large role in maintaining healthy teeth as it is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect from tooth decay. Communities have responded by adding fluoride to their water supplies starting in the 1940s.
What about bottled water? Water from a bottle is unquestionably better than soda or other acidic drinks. However, during the processing of bottled water, reverse osmosis or distillation processes remove any fluoride present in the water. Additionally, many homes with a reverse osmosis system will remove fluoride from the water supply. Research also is being shown that some bottled water has an acidic pH level.
In summary, tap water is the best for your oral health and for preventing tooth decay. However, ANY water is better than the many alternative drinks available for consumption.