Why Drinking Well Water Can Lead to Tooth Decay

Many people turn to well water as a way of avoiding the chemicals and purifiying agents placed in city water. However, they are doing their teeth a dangerous disservice, one that may cause them to need cosmetic dental surgery early in life.

Well Water Lacks Fluoride

Well water comes from natural springs under the ground—springs that make up a majority of the sources of the fresh water in the world. Tapping into one of these springs allows a person to have water for years, but this water lacks the fluoride added to city water. While this is a major boon for some people (particularly those that think fluoride water is unhealthy), it is not a good thing for dental health.

A Lack of Fluoride Can Lead to Tooth Decay

While some people may think that fluoride is bad for their health, it is put in drinking water for a reason: it helps fight off tooth decay. Dental decay in youth has been linked to their excessive reliance on bottled water. This water had no fluoride, and this caused the youths' teeth to decay a little more quickly than they would have otherwise.

Since well water has no fluoride in it, tooth decay is common in those who rely on it. This is unfortunate because it leads to an increasing rate of dental-health problems that are difficult to manage without the help of cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help

Those who suffer from seriously rotted teeth as a result of non-fluoridated water have a few cosmetic dentistry options. The first is known as inlays and onlays. These are typically used when there is mild to moderate decay and fill in the holes rather than actually replace the tooth. The next step up is composite bonding, which uses material that looks like the tooth to replace the decayed section.

Next is dental veneers, which are necessary when teeth need to be removed. They will be made individually to fit in the precise spot left by the missing tooth. These are the most effective way to manage tooth decay because they eliminate the problem entirely. However, they are used only when the tooth is too decayed to save. Dental implants work in a similar way.

After you get tooth decay repaired, it is important to turn to fluoridated water in order to protect the teeth. Failure to do so will result in further decay that can cause serious damage to the rest of the teeth or even the cosmetic dental upgrades.

Talk to a dentist such as David Jackson, DDS for more information.

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