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Understanding the pH of Bottled Water and Its Impact on Oral Health

Understanding the pH of Bottled Water and Its Impact on Oral Health

As we strive towards optimal oral health at Smile Moore Dental, we want to highlight an often overlooked aspect of dental care: the pH level of the water you drink. Water’s pH, whether acidic or alkaline, can significantly influence oral health by affecting enamel durability and bacterial growth in your mouth.

Why pH Matters for Oral Health

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, on a scale from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic), with 7 being neutral. The natural pH of your mouth is close to neutral. However, when it dips below 5.5, the environment becomes conducive to enamel erosion and cavities.

Alkaline water (with a pH above 7) can help balance mouth acidity, especially after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Conversely, acidic water can contribute to further lowering the mouth’s pH.

Examples of Bottled Water with Acidic pH

While many people choose bottled water for convenience or taste preferences, not all bottled waters are neutral or alkaline. Here are several popular brands that tend to be more acidic:

  1. Dasani: Often found to have a pH close to 5.0, Dasani can be more acidic due to added minerals for taste.
  2. Aquafina: With a pH that can drop as low as 5.5, Aquafina is another popular brand that leans towards the acidic side.
  3. Vitaminwater: This flavored water often has a lower pH due to added ingredients for flavor and enhancement, typically around 3.0 to 4.0.
  4. Propel Fitness Water: While slightly better, it typically has a pH around 5.0, making it more acidic than plain water.

Examples of Bottled Water with Basic pH

Conversely, here are some brands known for their higher, more tooth-friendly pH levels:

  1. Essentia Water: This water is ionized to achieve a pH of 9.5, promoting a highly alkaline environment in your mouth.
  2. Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water: Naturally filtered through volcanic rocks, it boasts a pH between 7.6 to 8.2.
  3. Icelandic Glacial Water: Sourced from Iceland’s Ölfus Spring, this water is naturally alkaline with a pH of 8.4.
  4. Trader Joe’s Alkaline Water + Electrolytes: This water is not only alkaline but also enhanced with electrolytes, boasting a pH level of 9.5, making it an excellent choice for promoting oral health.

What to Consider When Choosing Bottled Water

  • pH level: Opt for waters with a pH higher than 7 to help neutralize mouth acidity.
  • Source and purity: Consider naturally sourced waters for added minerals and purity.
  • Packaging: Choose BPA-free bottles to reduce chemical exposure.

Your choice of water is an important part of maintaining oral health. While drinking slightly acidic water occasionally won’t harm your teeth, consistent exposure can contribute to enamel wear over time. Complement your hydration choices with robust oral hygiene practices: brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and keep up with dental check-ups at Smile Moore Dental, your convenient Cotswold dentist. Schedule your visit online or contact us to schedule a consultation!

About The Author
Dr. Durning Moore

Dr. Durning Moore embarked on his dental career as an associate before purchasing his own practice, Smile Moore Dental. He values building strong relationships with his patients by fostering a conversational atmosphere in his office. A believer in continuous learning, he pursues continuing education in several learning institutes. He is also active at the Dental Christian Fellowship where he serves the community through dentistry whenever he can.

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