How the Quality of Water Affects Your Teeth
Jul 3, 2023

Did you know that the water you drink plays a crucial role in your dental health? While brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential, the quality of your drinking water can impact your enamel strength, cavity prevention, and overall oral hygiene.
Fun Fact:
Fluoridated water can reduce tooth decay by up to 25%—but not all drinking water contains fluoride!
Why Water Quality Matters for Your Teeth
Water does more than just hydrate you—it helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, washes away food particles, and delivers essential minerals that strengthen enamel. However, not all water is created equal.
Key Benefits of High-Quality Drinking Water:
What Makes Water High Quality?
High-quality water is clean, safe, and beneficial for overall health, including oral health. It meets specific standards regarding purity, mineral content, and pH balance. Here’s what defines high-quality drinking water:
Key Characteristics of High-Quality Water
The Risks of Drinking Low-Quality Water
Drinking low-quality water can negatively impact both your oral health and overall well-being. Contaminants, improper pH levels, and a lack of essential minerals can lead to serious health concerns. Here’s what can happen if your water isn’t up to standard:
General Health Risks:
Oral Health Risks:
The Role of Fluoride in Water Quality
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral added to many public water supplies to prevent cavities. But is it always beneficial?
Benefits of Fluoride:
Risks of Too Much Fluoride:
Pro Tip:
Check your local water report to see how much fluoride is in your drinking water!
Hard vs. Soft Water: Does It Affect Your Teeth?
Hard and soft water have different mineral compositions, which may impact your oral health. This means that where you live changes the quality of water you have access to from the tap. Florida, for example, has hard to very hard water.
Feature | Hard Water | Soft Water |
---|---|---|
Minerals | High in calcium & magnesium | Lower mineral content |
Effect on Teeth | Can cause stains & buildup | Less residue but lacks beneficial minerals |
Taste | Often chalky | Smoother |
Impact on Teeth: Hard water can sometimes leave a chalky residue on teeth, while soft water may not provide enough calcium and magnesium for dental health.
Solution:
Consider using a remineralizing toothpaste if you have soft water.
Is Bottled or Tap Water Better for Your Oral Health?
Many people choose bottled water over tap water, but is it the best choice for your teeth?
In some parts of the world, tap water may not be safe to drink due to contamination with bacteria, heavy metals, or other harmful substances, making bottled water the healthier option for both overall and dental health. However, in the U.S., tap water is typically regulated and fluoridated, making it a better choice for dental health than bottled water. This is especially true in Florida, where most municipal water supplies contain fluoride at optimal levels recommended by health authorities.
Tap Water
- Often contains fluoride to protect teeth
- Regulated for safety and pH balance
Bottled Water
- Often lacks fluoride
- Some brands have high acidity, leading to enamel erosion
- Can be expensive and environmentally harmful
Best Choice:
If drinking bottled water, choose brands that include fluoride or use a fluoride mouth rinse.
Does the Temperature of Your Water Matter?
The temperature of the water you drink can also impact your teeth, but generally only in the extremes unless you have particularly sensitive teeth. Too hot or too cold water can cause discomfort, which can be a sign of enamel erosion or other problem that you should talk to your dentist about.
Cold Water
- Refreshing and helps reduce inflammation in the gums.
Hot Water
- Can make teeth more sensitive, especially for those with weakened enamel or fillings.
Best Practice:
Drink room temperature or slightly cool water to avoid extreme temperature changes affecting your enamel.
Sources of High-Quality Water
High-quality water sources provide essential minerals and maintain a neutral pH, both crucial for strong teeth and overall oral health.
1. Fluoridated Tap Water
Many municipal water supplies add fluoride, a mineral known to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Drinking fluoridated tap water has been shown to reduce tooth decay by approximately 25% in both children and adults.
2. Filtered Tap Water
Using a home filtration system can remove impurities while retaining beneficial minerals like fluoride. This ensures the water is clean and continues to support dental health.
3. Spring Water
Naturally sourced spring water often contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for teeth. However, it's important to check if the spring water contains fluoride; if not, additional fluoride treatments or supplements may be necessary.
4. Well Water (Regularly Tested)
Private well water can be a good source of minerals, but it's essential to have it tested regularly for contaminants and to determine its fluoride content. If fluoride is lacking, consult with a dentist about possible supplements.
5. Reverse Osmosis Water With Added Minerals
Reverse osmosis systems effectively remove contaminants but also strip away beneficial minerals. If using this system, consider remineralizing the water to include fluoride and other essential minerals to support dental health.
Tip:
To maximize oral health benefits, choose water that contains natural or added fluoride. If your primary water source lacks fluoride, discuss supplementation options with your dentist.
Water That Isn't Good for Your Teeth
Not all water is good for your teeth, however. Some water, due to its composition, can actually be bad for your teeth.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Drinking Habits
Drinking high-quality water isn’t just good for your body—it’s essential for your teeth. By choosing the right water source and making small adjustments, you can protect your enamel, prevent cavities, and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Concerned about how your water affects your teeth?
Schedule a consultation with our dental team today!
For informational purposes only.