Most physicians, nutritionists, and dentists will agree that staying hydrated is critical to our overall physical health. And this means drinking at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, because the tap water that comes from most municipalities contain trace amounts of microorganisms, nitrate, and even arsenic, many individuals prefer to drink bottled water. However, several studies show that bottled water, particularly the ones with high or low pH levels, can cause dental caries, also known as cavities.

For those who are unfamiliar with pH, it stands for potential hydrogen. When used in the context of water, pH refers to the amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions that it contains. To further put this into context, the pH in water, whether it comes from the tap or bottled, can be anywhere from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 indicates neutral. Meanwhile, a pH that is below 7 means that the water is highly acidic, and a pH that measures greater than 7 means that the water has high alkalinity. Drinking water that is too acidic or too alkaline can cause cavities.

How Does Drinking Non-Neutral pH Water Lead to Cavities?

In short, healthy pH levels in the oral cavity should be between 6.7 and 7.3. And this is achieved via saliva production. When an individual consumes bottled water with a pH that is greater than 7, it can cause the natural pH in the oral cavity to drop to 5.5 or lower, which, in turn, erodes tooth enamel and eventually causes cavities. According to alkalinewaterplus.com, some of the bottled water brands that fall outside of a neutral pH include the following:

Aquafina
Dasani
Perrier

These brands of bottled water all have an acidic pH, meaning that they each pose a significant risk in terms of contributing to cavities. Of course, this is assuming that an individual is consuming the recommended equivalent of eight 8–ounce glasses of water each day.

Common Signs of Cavities

Whether they are the result of plaque build-up, consuming too many sugar-laden foods or beverages, or drinking bottled water with a non-neutral pH, the tell-tale signs of cavities are generally the same in that most will experience the following:

Holes or craters that form on tooth surfaces
Chronic bad breath
Tooth discoloration
A foul taste in the mouth
Experiencing pain while biting or chewing

In some cases, an individual may not experience any symptoms at all. However, the impacted tooth will be more susceptible to being fractured. If this happens, it can trigger significant pain and will likely require some form of dental restoration to repair the tooth.

Final Thoughts on Bottled Water pH Levels

Even though drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health, you should avoid bottled water that contains a high or low pH. Fortunately, this is not too hard to do as most manufacturers will print their bottled water pH levels right on the packaging. However, if you have already developed a cavity, you’re encouraged to schedule an appointment with Mountain View Dental, one of Utah’s leading general and cosmetic dentistry practices.

Injuries are common in almost every sport. However, when it comes to dental injuries, some sports are considered more dangerous. Are you aware that 39% of all dental injuries are attributed to sports injuries to the face or head?

Common sports such as basketball, hockey, handball, and many others are common causes of dental injuries. It is therefore important to carefully choose which sport to engage in. Sometimes it is indeed hard to make that choice, especially if it is concerning your child.

The best thing is, therefore, to take preventive measures to avert any damages while playing. Let us take a look at some of the most dangerous sports for your teeth.

1. Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a common sport in the United States and around the world. The excitement that comes with it often blinds many people of the damage it can cause to the mouth or teeth of those playing it. You have probably seen most players wearing elbow guards and helmets – but have you seen any of them putting in mouthguards?

It is common to always miscalculate on a rail and end up busting your mouth on a slab of metal. The only way you can prevent extreme dental damage is by wearing a mouthguard.

2. Basketball

Basketball is also one of the more dangerous sports when it comes to dental injuries. Although it is an interesting game, it is easy to get elbowed in your face, for example, while racing for position under the hoop. It is important to wear protective gear whenever you are playing, such as a mouthguard.

3. Boxing, Wrestling, & Martial Arts

Well, if you haven’t tried boxing or martial arts yourself, then you might have seen others engaging in these sports. The goal of your opponent is to inflict injuries to any part of your body to win points.

Although you could be wearing a boxing helmet, there’s always a chance for your opponent to sneak in a punch on your mouth. However, there is certain protective gear that is designed to protect your teeth when engaging in these kinds of sports.

4. Soccer

Although soccer is considered one of the safest sports when it comes to mouth injuries, sometimes it can result in very serious dental problems. It is often difficult to guard your mouth, especially when using your head to kick the ball. Your head, or that of another player, might miss the ball and contact your mouth instead.

5. Hockey

There’s no doubt that hockey ranks high when it comes to sports that are risky to your teeth. It is not uncommon to meet hockey players with deformed, missing, or broken teeth. Both the hockey stick and the puck can inflict great damage to your teeth when they mistakenly come your way while playing.

It is therefore important to wear adequate protective gear to guard your teeth against damage.

Mountain View Dental has a team of highly qualified dental professionals. Its office offers a serene and comfortable environment for patients. They have different types of dental services available to you at reasonable prices. Call today to ask any questions related to your dental health or to book an appointment.

The importance of dental health isn’t something that you should try to dispute. That’s because dental health is something that you should always make a top priority. Don’t ever forget that issues with dental wellness can, in many situations, negatively influence overall health. If you want to feel fit as a fiddle, then that means that you need to put a lot of care and effort into your teeth and smile. It’s crucial to be in the loop concerning all of the advantages of zeroing in on oral wellness.

Superior Oral Hygiene

If you have exceptional dental health, then that means you have strong oral hygiene as well. What makes oral hygiene so indispensable? Oral hygiene can contribute to radiantly white teeth. It can contribute to teeth that are devoid of irritating and unsightly staining and discoloration as well. A consistent oral hygiene routine will also likely save you from bad breath and costly dental procedures.

Enhanced Ease

The absence of optimal dental health is never a terrific thing. That’s because dental troubles can, in many cases, lead to significant and persistent aches. If you want to steer clear of stubborn and intense tooth pain, then you need strong dental health. If you want to steer clear of gum swelling, bleeding, and terrible breath, then you need to have dental health at your disposal as well. Dental health can save you from substantial feelings of malaise.

Minimized Expenses

It’s always a huge mistake to neglect to manage your dental health. Doing so can make things a lot worse for you further on down the road. Ignoring the condition of your teeth can lead to serious issues with decay and cavities. In many cases, it can lead to gum disease or gingivitis. Note that gum disease, in some situations, is associated with the permanent loss of teeth. If you want to keep your teeth intact and strong, then you need to prioritize care.

Additionally, if you’d prefer to spare yourself the expenses of root canals and other similar treatments, then you need to prioritize basic oral wellness. Paying for regular teeth cleaning sessions is usually much cheaper than the cost of a more invasive procedure. Purchasing toothpaste and toothbrushes doesn’t cost a substantial sum of money, either. Prioritizing oral health care can slash dental costs substantially.

Make an Appointment With Mountain View Dental in Pleasant View, Utah

Do you want to make the importance of dental health a top priority in Pleasant View, Utah? Mountain View Dental is a dental clinic that can help you do so. It’s an office that is known for capable team members and an airy, bright, and hygienic vibe. Contact Mountain View Dental today to set up an appointment.

Monday	8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday	8 AM - 7 PM
Friday	8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday	8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday	Closed