What Is It About Tap Water That Keeps Teeth Healthy?
Posted on 7/7/2020 by Ranches Family Dental
Don't be surprised if during your next visit to our office, we recommend that you drink more fluoridated tap water to keep your mouth healthy. This will especially hold true if you have an ongoing issue with cavities.
Over the past few decades, tap water has taken a back seat to bottled water because the latter was promoted so successfully as being more pure and free of harmful chemicals. But we cook, wash our hands and brush our teeth with tap water every day without negative consequences. We just don't drink it that much anymore, and that can be detrimental to oral health.
How Does Tap Water Promote Oral Health?
Drinking tap water is one of the easiest ways to keep your mouth healthy, and here are a few reasons why.
It Strengthens Your Teeth
In most parts of the world, tap water contains fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral and cavity fighter. Although fluoride has had its share of controversy, the American Dental Association endorses water fluoridation as one of the most impactful public health measures of the twentieth century. It's cost-effective and highly proven to fight tooth decay by strengthening enamel.
It Cleans Your Mouth
As opposed to drinking sugary beverages, drinking water actually cleans your mouth of food particles that can cause cavities. The bacteria in your mouth love to devour sugar as they produce acid that wears down your enamel. However, water dilutes the acid and helps keep your enamel safe.
It Fights Dry Mouth
Your saliva is 99% water and one of your best natural defenses against tooth decay. Poor salivation can cause a condition simply known as dry mouth, which makes it difficult to chew and swallow. Saliva is also essential for washing away leftover food and exposing your teeth to calcium, phosphate and fluoride. Drinking water helps ensure that you have adequate saliva production.
It turns out that drinking water the old-fashioned way is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. It's also cost-effective and doesn't put plastic in landfills. For all of your oral care needs, contact us anytime to schedule a consultation and exam.
Dentist Eagle Mountain UT | Contact Ranches Family Dental The dental office of Dr. Richard Baldwin in Eagle Mountain consists of a team of professionals dedicated to providing you with the dentistry care you deserve. Ranches Family Dental, 3435 E. Pony Express Parkway Suite 110 Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 \ (385) 374-0500 \ ranchesfamilydental.com \ 12/6/2024 \ Related Phrases: dentist Eagle Mountain UT \