Studies show that on average, individuals should drink between 2.7 and 3.7 liters of water each day. But while you may be hitting or exceeding this measurement, the water quality can be damaging to your teeth. Here are 5 popular kinds of water and how they affect your oral health.
Citrus-Fused Water
Lemon water is very popular in both homes and restaurants. But while it can be refreshing and has many benefits, it can also damage your enamel. A healthy mouth usually has a pH level of 6.3., and studies show that the demineralization process for teeth begins at a pH level of 5.5. All citrus fruit has very high pH levels, which make it very acidic. For example, lemons carry a pH level between 2 and 2.6, which can weaken your enamel and make your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, a carbonated type of water, can be too acidic. Adding a simple squeeze of lemon or lime juice can make it even more damaging to your teeth. Carbon dioxide gives this drink its satisfying fizz. When combined with the natural citric acid from lemons or limes, it becomes carbonic acid, which can soften your enamel. Drinking sparkling water with lemon over a long period of time could result in enamel erosion.
Tap Water
Drinking filtered water has become the new normal, but many dentists still recommend drinking standard tap water. Why? Tap water often contains minerals such as phosphorus, fluoride, calcium and magnesium. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended the optimal fluoride level in American tap water to prevent tooth decay should be 0.7 milligrams per liter. This means that every liter of tap water you drink is helping to protect your teeth.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is a very popular choice, especially for those who are often on the go. Unfortunately, since most brands don’t add fluoride or other minerals, it doesn’t usually carry much nutritional value. This is why most dentists don’t recommend drinking it.
Coconut Water
While this beverage is very popular and has many health benefits, it is actually not a type of water. Coconut water is really coconut juice that can weaken your enamel and leave sugar on your teeth that feed cavity-causing bacteria.
About 60 percent of the human body is made of water, so keeping yourself hydrated is important to both your dental and overall health. When deciding what kind of water to drink, don’t forget to consider whether you want your beverage to benefit your health and be mindful of pH levels.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has dedicated more than 600 hours to continuing education courses since earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. He has been transforming smiles for more than 25 years and is a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. If lemon water has been your beverage of choice, contact the office at (843) 488-4357 or visit the website to schedule a visit for a dental checkup today!