Water is water. Right? Maybe not!
Most people have heard about the dangers of soda and energy drinks when it comes to teeth. High sugar foods and drinks are frequently linked to an increase in cavities. Therefore, when people reach for the bottle of water instead of soda, they assume they are in the clear by making a good choice.
Not all bottle water, however, is created equal when it comes to our teeth. The pH scale (measurement of acidity) of what you drink is intricately linked to cavity risk and erosion. Neutral pH is 7 while a lower pH number is more acidic. Some of our favorite bottled waters when tested were actually quite acidic and corrosive to our teeth.
One example is Hint brand water. It has zero added sugars and zero artificial sweeteners; however, the acid level is around 3.5. This is similar to a diet soda with a pH of 3.1. Hint water is approximately 1000 times more acidic than pure water.
Why does acid level matter?
Our teeth are in constant state of flux with minerals entering and exiting the tooth. When teeth are in acidic environments, the minerals leave the tooth making it weaker. With less minerals, teeth are more likely to wear/erode as well as cavities develop more quickly. More acidic = more erosion and higher risk of cavities.
Dry Mouth. Now what?
Many patients that suffer from dry mouth find they constantly need to sip on liquid to keep their mouth moist. Drink either filtered tap water or reach for alkaline water that has been pH balanced to be high pH rather than low. Alkaline water is more likely to encourage minerals to return to the tooth and prevent erosion.
If you are unsure about the pH or acidity of your drink, there are many individuals and groups that have published their own findings to see where your favorite bottled beverage stacks up to the rest.
