Water Supply in Your Home vs. Your Dental Health-What’s the Connection?

Any competent dentist will tell you that dental health is a crucial aspect of your overall health. If you don’t practice dental hygiene, you’ll likely suffer from cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. To avoid this, many try out various methods to ensure optimal oral health. Sadly, some people don’t realize the relationship between dental health and the water supply in their homes.

How Does the Location of Your Home Affect Your Dental Health?

The water in your home determines your oral health. There are different water sources in homes. Tap water contains various contaminants, and these vary from location to the other. The tap or well water that you drink at home could be the cause of all your dental woes.

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What Are the Primary Sources of Water in Homes?

It’s important to know where your water comes from so that you can keep it safe. The primary water sources are;

Unprotected sources– These include lakes, rivers, and streams. They don’t protect water from contamination. Water from these sources is unsafe for drinking unless treated. Drinking water from unprotected sources will expose you to various health conditions, including dental issues.

Underground sources– These include springs, aquifers, and hyporheic zones.

Water supply networks– These are water bodies in most cities, and they supply clean water to all homes. The type of water supplied may look clean, but it’s advisable not to use it for drinking before it’s treated.

What Are the Primary Contaminants in Your Home Water Supply?

Many contaminants can affect the quality of water in your home. Things such as pesticides, industrial waste, and acid rain can contaminate water bodies, while underground water can be contaminated by pathogens and hazardous products used in the farms. These contaminants cause many health complications that can be life-threatening. The common contaminants in drinking water are;

Organic matter– Organic products that can pollute the water in your home are pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides. They contain solvents, degreasers, and gasoline additives.

Inorganic matter– These include lead, chromium, barium, and many more. The level of contamination varies from one place to the other. Some areas have high degrees of mercury, while others are notorious for lead or chromium. For instance, exposure to lead in kids can affect gingival health, and young children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning. Too much lead in water can also cause teeth discoloration.

Microbial pathogens-These are disease-causing organisms like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They also cause different illnesses and can affect your dental health in numerous ways. 

Radioactive elements– Radioactive elements result from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks.

Scale– Scale is a common water contaminant in most homes. It exhibits a white build-up of mineral ions like ion, calcium, and magnesium. It resembles a cloudy white film on home appliances, pipes, and plumbing fixtures. Most of the minerals in hard water are abrasive and can damage your teeth or enamel.

How Can You Purify the Water in Your Home to Improve Your Dental Health?

You can use various ways to purify your drinking water. The common ways are;

 Boiling– This is simple and cost-effective. The process removes oxygen from the water, making it tasteless.

Filtration– Filtration eliminates all contaminants from your water, making it safe for drinking and cooking. This is achieved by installing a water filter in your home. There are many water filters in the market. They work by passing water through a charcoal filter and treating it later on.

Liquid iodine– You can use little amounts of liquid iodine or iodine tablets to get rid of toxins in the water. However, iodine is a chemical and should only be used for a short period.

UV light– UV light kills harmful disease-causing organisms in water, air, and other surfaces. It’s a healthy way of purifying your water, making it safe for drinking.

What Are the Common Dental Problems Resulting From Contaminated Water?

The water you drink in your home can affect your dental health. For instance, drinking distilled water opens up your teeth to cavities and tooth decay. It’s devoid of many essential minerals that are useful for optimal dental health. Tap water will also affect your teeth. It contains various contaminants and fluoride, which, if consumed in high quantities, can cause defects in the tooth enamel.

Final thoughtsWhat you eat and drink affects your dental health. To keep your teeth in perfect health, drink clean water that is free from contaminants. Also, have regular dental checkups, and this enables you to detect any issues.