Article at a Glance
- There are different types of water available including tap water, distilled water, bottled water, and sparkling water. They each have benefits and drawbacks for your health.
- Tap water contains vitamins and minerals that are good for you and your teeth but be aware of potential contaminants in the area where you live.
- Fluoride is important for your teeth, if you choose to drink water that doesn’t have fluoride then you may want to consider a supplement.
Water is one of the most important substances on Earth, especially for humans. Drinking water is promoted for our very health and well-being. There are entire aisles of grocery stores dedicated to different types of water. How do you know which one to choose? Why is it so important?
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Why Do I Need to Drink Water?
Water is essential to your overall health. Drinking water replaces the fluid we lose naturally each day. If you don’t drink enough to replace what you’re losing then you become dehydrated, which can be a serious threat to your well-being. Water intake can also help you control calories, energize your muscles, protect your skin, and aid your kidneys and bowels in evacuating wastes properly. Drinking water should also be a large part of your oral care routine because water is great for your teeth. Not only does it fight dry mouth, water can strengthen your teeth and keep your mouth clean until you brush.
The Different Types of Water
Over the years, people have developed ways to alter and enhance water. From bottling to distilling, there is a different type of water for nearly any preference and circumstance.
- Tap water is readily available just about everywhere, but it can be contaminated or stripped of some essential minerals if filtered.
- Distilled water is often viewed as the purest form of water because it’s been stripped of all chemicals, vitamins, and minerals. However, this can mean that it’s not going to do much to protect your teeth.
- Bottled water is commonplace in America, but it’s considered a food product by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and therefore not strictly regulated so you don’t always know what you’re getting and it doesn’t contain fluoride or other essential vitamins and minerals.
- Sparkling water is water that’s simply been infused with carbon dioxide to become carbonated (bubbly).
- Flavored waters are increasingly popular because they add a little something to an everyday drink, but be wary of those additives, especially if they include sugars.
Is Tap Water Bad for Your Teeth?
Tap water from your kitchen sink is the quickest solution to a little thirst. Chances are it comes with plenty of vitamins and minerals that are good for you, including fluoride which can strengthen teeth. However, there are drawbacks to plain tap water, especially if you live in an area where the water could be contaminated. There are ways to correct any shortcomings in your tap water, though.
- Filtration systems are easy solutions that can either be attached to your tap or a standalone pitcher. The downside is that the filtration process can strip out vitamins and minerals, like fluoride. Some of the newer filtration systems are capable of replacing lost fluoride.
- Reverse Osmosis systems are available for homes and businesses as a way to remove contaminants from tap water. This process essentially creates distilled water.
- Add flavor with fruit slices to mask the taste of water without stripping the vitamins and minerals.
Read more: Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?
Do You Need to Drink Water with Fluoride?
Fluoride has been mentioned more than once for good reason, it is essential to the health of teeth. The outer layer of your tooth, the enamel, is comprised of minerals that are lost and regained every day. Fluoride is a part of the regaining process, along with calcium and phosphate. It helps children’s permanent teeth develop and strengthen adult teeth, so acid is less damaging. Drinking water with fluoride will help strengthen your teeth, so if you choose to drink water without fluoride, you will probably want to add a fluoride supplement to your diet.
What is the Best Water for Teeth?
Deciding on the best water for your teeth is ultimately up to you. Most water has been altered in some capacity which will impact the taste and what it will do for your teeth. For example, if you have found the best bottled water and it’s the only water you’ll drink, look for a fluoride supplement and keep drinking it. The bottom line is that you’re drinking water, which is the best thing you can do for your teeth and your overall health.
If you have more questions about the importance of fluoride for your teeth, how to get fluoride supplements, or you’re due for a check-up, contact the Jefferson Dental Clinic nearest you to make an appointment. Our team will be happy to work with you to preserve your smile!
