Tap water, bottled water or sparkling water – What’s best?

Tap water versus bottled water versus sparkling water. It’s all the same because water is water, right?

Well, not really.

When it comes to deciding which type of water is better for your teeth, we’ve got you covered.

Is tap water good or bad for your teeth?

Tap water isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, and it may actually be your best bet for your teeth when compared to bottled water and sparkling water.

But if it lacks the proper amount of fluoride, you may need supplemental fluoride from a different source in order to protect your teeth against cavities.

Actually, many communities throughout the United States add fluoride into their water supply. If you’re interested in knowing how much fluoride is in your tap water, contact your community’s water supply company to ask for the numbers or to get yours tested.

Also, your dentist can speak with you in more detail about fluoride and fluoride supplements at your next appointment.

Is bottled water good or bad for your teeth?

Drinking bottled water doesn’t necessarily harm your teeth. However, many brands of bottled water contain a generally low amount of fluoride, which means you’re not getting an adequate amount of fluoride for cavity protection.

Many bottled water brands also use the harmful chemical BPA (bisphenol A) in their plastic packaging. Lots of people like to avoid BPA when possible, as high exposure can potentially cause fertility problems, male impotence and other health problems.

You shouldn’t avoid drinking bottled water, though, just because it doesn’t contain a lot of fluoride. As mentioned above, if your dentist thinks you need more fluoride, he or she can explain options available to you.

Is sparkling water good or bad for your teeth?

When it comes to sparkling water, you may want to limit your consumption. That’s because flavored sparkling water has a pH level between 2.74 and 3.34, whereas tap or bottled water typically has a pH between 6.9 and 7.5, making sparkling water more acidic than tap or bottled water.

This means flavored sparkling water has an “even greater erosive potential than orange juice.” This is coming from a study that specifically looked at the erosive potential of flavored sparkling water.

If you have the choice, limit your consumption of sparkling water since it’s fairly acidic, which means a higher chance of tooth enamel erosion.

Overall, water is essential for the human body

Approximately 60% of a human adult body is made up of water, according to this source.

Not only does water help form saliva for healthy mouths, water also:

• Aids in digestion

• Helps to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters

• Regulates body temperature

• Acts as a “shock absorber” for the spinal cord and brain

• Helps to deliver oxygen throughout the body

• Lubricates joints

• Flushes out food waste

• Permits the body’s cells to grow, survive and reproduce

• Promotes healthy skin

• Helps your body eliminate toxins

• Helps to fight dry mouth

• Keeps your mouth clean

Water is key to healthy bodies and healthy mouths, so drink up!

And if you need a dental appointment for a checkup and you live in the Alpharetta, GA area, call Dr. Brett Silverman at Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.

Sources:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/water-best-beverage

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-these-drinks-do-to-your-teeth#sparkling-water

https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-mineral-water-harmful-to-your-teeth-1059307

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

https://fluoridealert.org/content/bottled-water/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221205