Water Quality and Oral Health
Water is one of the most basic needs of humans. Without it, not only will we become dehydrated, but we will also be unable to perform many of our regular activities such as bathing and oral hygiene, cooking, and washing. However, despite the accessibility to water, different regions have different water supplies, and not all of these have potable and fluoridated water.
In the United States, clean water is a staple in every household, but in other parts of the world, what kind of water do they have running in their pipes and faucets? Does this have anything to do with their oral health?
Does Water Quality Affect Oral Health?
Water quality has been seen to directly affect oral health based on various studies. One example is an Indonesian case study which proved that without access to clean and safe drinking water, almost all of the children aged 5-7 years who were involved in the study had some level of tooth decay. The water in their area was found to have no fluoride, high levels of manganese, and high acidity level which all contributed to the poor oral health of the residents.
Long-Term Effects of Poor Water Quality
Without access to clean water, people who live in developing and underdeveloped countries may suffer oral health deterioration well into their adulthood. This leads to tooth loss, gum disease, and even oral cancer. But these problems are not only seen in other countries.
In the United States, many minority groups who live in less economically stable communities are unable to access clean water, or only have limited access to it. This is also one reason why, based on statistics, individuals who belong in minority groups and live in poor areas have higher cases of tooth decay and gum disease. Not only that, they are often unable to get proper treatment because of their financial incapacity.
Getting Dental Care from Mint Dental Alaska
If a regular individual who has access to clean, fluoridated water needs a dental checkup every six months, how much more does someone who doesn’t have this luxury? Whether you live in an underdeveloped country or in a poor community in the United States, you need close dental care and attention to reverse the effects of unhealthy water on your oral health.
While the majority of Alaskan cities have access to clean water, some areas may still have limited supply of fluoridated water. At Mint Dental, we strive to provide our patients with healthy and strong teeth despite the other factors that may contribute to oral deterioration, such as the lack of clean or fluoridated water.
If you do not have a source of fluoridated water in your area, we can compensate through the direct application of fluoride on your teeth. Using topical fluoride every six months can give your teeth the necessary protection it needs against plaque and bacteria.
If you would like us to assess your oral health, you may request for an appointment online or give us a call at 1-855-646-6468 toll free. Our dental team will be happy to schedule you for an oral examination and give you tips and reminders about oral care without clean or fluoridated water.
Author Dr. Jonathan McNeil
