Why Drinking Water Is Important to Your Oral Health | Issaquah Dentist

Water is vital to many of your body’s natural functions. Without water, you’ll become dehydrated and begin to suffer from a number of different illnesses.

Water is also very important for your oral health. Without clean water, you’ll begin to experience a number of different issues with your teeth and gums.

In the U.S. and many other countries, the city drinking water includes fluoride. This helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Without clean drinking water, your teeth will be exposed to a number of bacteria. These bacteria will attach themselves to your teeth and begin to eat away at the enamel there, especially if you don’t brush your teeth regularly. They can also lead to gum disease.

In areas without clean drinking water, it’s also common to find manganese and other elements in the water. Continued exposure to high levels of some of these elements, especially those that are highly acidic, can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Water also helps keep your mouth clean by washing away some of the bacteria and food particles that have become stuck in your teeth. While it’s no substitution for brushing or flossing, drinking plenty of water will help your mouth clean, especially if the water is clean.

For most people, access to clean, fresh water isn’t a problem. However, those who live in rural areas may get their water from wells rather than from a city water system. This water likely doesn’t include fluoride, so it doesn’t help keep your teeth strong. It’s possible that the water may also have some extra trace minerals or elements that cause some tooth issues.

For more information about drinking water, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Bottled Water: Are You Sure It’s Good for You? | Issaquah Dentist

Bottled water is more popular than ever for a variety of reasons. Some people simply don’t have access to clean drinking water, but for others, claims of fresh spring water have them opting for bottled versions over the water in their own tap.

The big problem with the switch to bottled water is a lack of fluoride, and the consequences could be detrimental to your teeth.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been established as a way to prevent decay. Research is so supportive of this claim that most communities have added it to their public drinking water. Fluoride is especially important for children, as it is easily absorbed into the enamel. Once the teeth are fully developed, fluoride makes the structure resistant to decay.

Are People Getting Less Fluoride?

Researchers believe that as more consumers drink bottled water, fewer ingest the amount of fluoride needed to prevent cavities. The American Dental Association states that if bottled water is your primary source of drinking water, you are likely missing out on the important decay-prevention of fluoride. In fact, this concern was discussed at the World Dental Congress, which identified it as a possible reason tooth decay is on the rise among children.

Are There Other Ways to Get Fluoride?

If you tend to drink bottled water more often than tap water, it is important that you get fluoride in other ways. Some bottled waters include fluoride, and most commercial toothpastes contain fluoride. You might also want to ask your dentist or doctor about fluoride supplements.

In addition to getting enough fluoride, visiting your dentist regularly is an important step to maintain strong, healthy teeth. Regardless of whether you drink tap or bottled water, we can get a better idea about the health of your mouth. Give us a call today to set up your next dental cleaning and check-up.

For more information about bottled water, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.