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Blog
Post 8:
Bottled
Water pH: How Acidity Affects Your Teeth
Bottled
Water pH: How Acidity Affects Your Teeth
By Eric Cheung, DDS
Atwater Family Dental Blog Series: Debunking Dental Myths
Most
people associate bottled water with health and hydration,
but not all bottled waters are created equal. One crucial
factor often overlooked is the pH level
of the water. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline
a substance is, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most
alkaline), with 7 being neutral.
Why
pH Matters for Your Teeth
Your tooth enamel, the hard outer surface of your teeth,
begins to erode when exposed to acids with a pH below
5.5. Prolonged exposure to acidic beverages can lead
to:
•
Enamel erosion: The loss of the tooth's
protective outer layer.
• Increased tooth sensitivity:
Especially to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
• Higher risk of cavities: As
weakened enamel is more susceptible to decay.
Bottled Water pH: What You Need
to Know
A study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene analyzed
the pH levels of various bottled waters. The findings
revealed significant variations among brands:
•
Acidic Waters: Some bottled waters
had a pH as low as 4.5, placing them in the acidic range.
• Neutral to Alkaline Waters:
Other brands maintained a pH closer to neutral or slightly
alkaline, which is less likely to harm enamel.
It's
essential to note that carbonated and
flavored bottled waters tend to be more
acidic due to added carbonic and citric acids.
How
to Protect Your Teeth
To minimize the risk of enamel erosion from acidic bottled
waters:
1.
Check the pH: Look for information
on the label or consult the manufacturer's website.
2. Choose neutral or alkaline options:
Waters with a pH closer to 7 are safer for your enamel.
3. Use a straw: This reduces direct
contact between acidic water and teeth.
4. Rinse your mouth with tap water:
After consuming acidic food or beverages, rinse to neutralize
acids.
5. Wait before brushing: Avoid brushing
your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks,
as enamel may be softened and more susceptible to abrasion.
Final
Thoughts
While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health,
it's equally important to be mindful of the beverages
you consume. By choosing bottled waters with a neutral
or slightly alkaline pH and adopting protective habits,
you can safeguard your enamel and maintain a healthy
smile.
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