With August marking National Water Quality Month, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the necessity of H₂O. We drink it daily for hydration, but it also safeguards a beautiful smile. As any dentist will tell you, the foods and liquids you intake have a direct impact on the health of your teeth, with water being the most essential of all.

How Does Water Promote Good Oral Health?

Saliva acts as a natural cleaning agent in the mouth, washing away debris and bacteria. It also promotes a healthy pH, which helps your teeth enamel avoid acid erosion. You need to stay hydrated to produce saliva, and water is the ideal solution. Unlike fruit juices and sodas, it isn’t packed with sugar, which attracts cavity-causing bacteria. It also doesn’t have a high acid content like alcoholic beverages. 

What Type of Water Is Best?

That said, not all water is created equal. For instance, you might think that bottled water is safer for you than what comes out of your tap. But bottled water, once opened, is susceptible to bacteria, especially if not refrigerated. 

Unlike bottled water, what you get from the tap has added chlorine to kill bacteria. If you don’t like the chlorine taste of tap water, you can get a filter to cut this down. 

Some municipalities in the United States also add fluoride to their tap water, a nutrient that promotes strong teeth. If you live in a state where tap water isn’t legally fluoridated, talk to your dentist about supplements. They can recommend products like fluoridated toothpastes and rinses.

National Water Quality Month is the perfect time to make sure your H₂O  of choice is promoting, not harming, your oral health. In Honolulu, HI, trust Stephanie ML Wong, DMD. This dentist is always up to speed on the latest cutting-edge dental care technology, from laser bacterial reduction to Invisalign®. Since Hawaii does not legally require fluoridated tap water, you may want to consult Dr. Wong for fluoride alternatives. Schedule an appointment with the dentist online or by calling (808) 732-3072.