Benefits of Alkaline Ionized Water for Dental Health

Post contributed by Samantha Harvey on behalf of  Glebe Dental Group

Can drinking alkaline ionized water improve your dental hygiene? Pure drinking water has a pH of 7.0, which means it’s neither acidic nor basic. Water you draw from the tap may be slightly acidic or basic with a pH that typically ranges from 6.5 to 9.0. Some experts believe there are disadvantages to drinking acidic water that has a pH below 7.0. Water that’s more acidic typically has higher levels of metal ions like iron and manganese and it may contain heavy metals. Acidic drinking water can erode plumbing pipes, releasing heavy metals into tap water. The pH of the water you drink could have an effect on your oral hygiene too.

 What is Ionized Alkaline Water?

Alkaline ionized water is water where ions have been produced by a process called electrolysis. Alkaline ionized water also has a more alkaline pH than most tap water you draw from the spigot. Some ionized alkaline water also contains  calcium, both of which may be beneficial for oral health.

 Alkaline Ionized Water for pH Balance

People drink alkaline ionized water because of its potential health benefits. Some experts believe the diet we eat creates an acid-base imbalance, and our bodies are too acidic. The thought is we can correct this imbalance and create a more neutral body pH by drinking ionized alkaline water. Some people also believe that the additional ions in ionized alkaline water “mop up” free radicals that can damage cells.

Ionized Alkaline Water and Oral Health

Can drinking ionized water improve dental health? Most people aren’t aware that what they eat and drink affects the dental enamel that covers their teeth and keeps them strong and hard. If you drink acidic soft drinks and eat acidic foods, it gradually erodes away this hard enamel covering leading to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. Drinking alkaline water may help to neutralize this acid and prevent acid erosion. Your saliva does this to some degree, but alkaline water may provide some additional pH-balancing properties.

 Alkaline Ionized Water may Help Fight Cavaties

Another way that ionized alkaline water may improve dental health is by preventing dental caries. Plaque-forming bacteria that live in the mouth and contribute to dental caries and gum disease produce acids that erode away enamel and dentin causing caries to form if re-mineralization doesn’t take place fast enough.  Alkaline ionized water may neutralize some of this acidity while helping to re-mineralize teeth because of the additional calcium it contains. A study carried out in Tokyo showed that ionized, alkaline water reduced the incidence of secondary dental caries that occur around teeth that have already been restored. In this study, it also reduced progression of dental caries.

 How to get Ionized Alkaline Water

Most of the benefits of ionized alkaline water are theoretical since little research has been carried out in this area, but there are no known risks to drinking ionized alkaline water. Some companies sell alkaline water in bottles you can purchase and drink. Another alternative is to invest in an alkaline water machine or ionizer you connect to your sink. This machine sends out an electrical current to produce ions and alkalinize tap water from your sink.

The Bottom Line?

Drinking alkaline ionized water may have benefits when it comes to oral hygiene and dental health. There’s been limited research in this area, but many people swear by its benefits. At the very least, investing in a  water ionizer may remind you to drink more water.

Want more information about the benefits of ionized alkaline water? Call our water health experts today at: 877-959-7977.

Has the FDA evaluated alkaline water for dental health?

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The preceding information and/or products are for educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. Please consult your doctor before making any changes or before starting ANY exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this information or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.

References:

Dent, J. Asian Pac. 11. (2011): 1-8. Print.