If you thought your bottled water was the epitome of purity, think again. Recent revelations have cast a shadow over the bottled water industry, linking your go-to hydration choice with a potential dental disaster. It turns out that your bottled water might be doing more to your teeth than just quenching your thirst. Researchers are now saying that your beloved bottled water could be as damaging to your enamel as an overzealous brush with a wire brush.
Yes, you read that right. The latest study has found that some bottled waters have acidity levels high enough to rival your average soda pop. So, before you reach for that bottle of H2O, you might want to double-check if it’s more like a tooth eroder than a life saver.
In an analysis that would make even the most devoted water drinker think twice, researchers found that 81% of bottled water samples were erosive to tooth dentine, and 73.8% were tough on enamel. For those of you who skipped science class, dentine and enamel are the unsung heroes of your teeth, and apparently, some bottled waters are giving them a rough time, like a stubborn stain on a new Gomesi.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Water and Health, took a deep dive into 42 bottled water samples from Australia. They discovered that some bottled waters are as acidic as a glass of lemon juice, making them potential enemies of your teeth. Imagine sipping on your favorite sparkling water, only to find out it’s secretly plotting to give you a cavity!
| Bottled Water Type | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Flavored Waters | High risk of tooth erosion |
| Sparkling Waters | High risk of tooth erosion |
| Spring/Artesian Waters | Risk of erosive tooth wear |
According to the Water Research Network, the acidity of some bottled waters could rival that of your typical fruit juices or sodas. And while it might be tempting to think that the bottled water is a healthier choice than sugary drinks, you might want to rethink that if your choice is an acidic one.
In Uganda, where bottled water companies are sprouting up faster than you can say “Nsenene,” the standards are supposed to ensure that bottled water maintains a pH of 8—right in the middle of the pH scale from 0 to 14. But, as Dr. Benon Kintu, a dental surgeon and director of Kampala Dental Services, points out, if the bottled water in Uganda meets this pH requirement, it should be less of a threat to your enamel than the classic ‘Katogo’ with extra spice.
Dr. Kintu also warns that without a proper balance of acid and alkaline in your mouth, your teeth are more vulnerable to damage. Saliva is supposed to be the knight in shining armor, reducing acidity in your mouth. But if your saliva is more acidic than a lime festival, your teeth could be in for a rough ride.
So, if you’re unsure about the pH of your bottled water, it might be wise to mix it up with some non-bottled water or just stick with the classic tap water—after all, the risks of your tap water are generally well known and predictable. Meanwhile, experts are calling for more awareness and better regulation to ensure that bottled water doesn’t turn your smile into a cautionary tale.
