Water is essential for life, and in Las Vegas, we’re fortunate to be served by Lake Mead, which provides around 90% of our drinking water. But when it comes to your dental health, is our water supply helping or hindering your smile? Let’s take a closer look at why drinking Las Vegas tap water is beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. As your trusted Las Vegas dentist, we’re here to guide you on how this local water supply can work in harmony with your dental care routine.
Hard Water and Oral Health
Las Vegas water is considered hard, meaning it contains high levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. While hard water can leave spots on dishes or build-up in your pipes, it’s actually great news for your oral health.
Calcium, the primary mineral in our water, is vital for your teeth and bones. Drinking Las Vegas tap water is an easy, natural way to strengthen your enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Unlike some supplements, hard water provides calcium in a way that’s easily absorbed by your body—without the risk of overconsumption. This makes it an excellent addition to your daily oral health routine.
As part of your general dental care, maintaining strong enamel is crucial for keeping cavities and other dental issues at bay. Drinking hard water is a simple step in protecting your teeth, along with regular brushing and visits to your dentist.
Alkaline Water: A Natural Defense Against Acidic Foods
At your general dentist, we often remind you to drink water after eating acidic foods to neutralize harmful compounds that could damage your tooth enamel. Las Vegas water, with its naturally alkaline properties, helps neutralize acid in your mouth, giving your teeth extra protection after meals.
By drinking water regularly, you’re not just hydrating your body, you’re helping protect your teeth from everyday wear and tear caused by acidic foods and beverages.
The Benefits of Fluoridation in Our Water Supply
Another benefit of Las Vegas tap water is its fluoride content. Our water is fluoridated with 0.7 ppm (parts per million), which is the ideal level for cavity prevention. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities.
Fluoride in drinking water is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to prevent tooth decay. Research consistently shows that people who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities, which is especially important for families and individuals looking to maintain their oral health affordably and conveniently. It’s a simple, everyday way to ensure your smile stays strong.
Fluoride: A Safe, Effective Tool for Cavity Prevention
You may have heard concerns about fluoride, but at the low levels found in drinking water, fluoride is safe and beneficial for your teeth. Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, and plays an essential role in general dentistry practices focused on preventive care.
The benefits of fluoride have been studied worldwide, and it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Drinking fluoridated water is an easy and economical way to contribute to your overall dental health routine, ensuring that your smile stays bright and healthy.
Sip with Confidence for a Healthier Smile
This summer, as you reach for a refreshing glass of water, rest assured that Las Vegas tap water is not only safe to drink but also beneficial for your oral health. Whether it’s the calcium for stronger teeth, the alkaline properties to protect your enamel, or the fluoride to help prevent cavities, our local water supply is an asset to your general dental care. By drinking more water, you’re taking an important step toward maintaining a healthy smile and making your dentist visits easier.
Contact our Summerlin general dentist, Dr. James Polley, to learn more about how you can take the best care of your smile with daily habits, including the benefits of drinking Las Vegas tap water. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, radiant smile for years to come.
