Drinking water and staying hydrated is an essential part of being healthy, but picking up any brand of bottled water to reach your suggested daily intake might not be the smartest move. Many bottled water brands have acidic pH levels and added fluoride, which can be damaging to your teeth.
Augusto Robles, DDS, MS, DMD, and assistant professor at the UAB School of Dentistry, conducted a study to assess the pH levels and fluoride content on various brands of bottled water. In case you’re curious, this is why bottled water has an expiration date and why different water bottle brands are priced so differently.
“If the bottled water has a pH lower than 5.5, then it has the ability to dissolve enamel, which is the hard protective outer layer of your teeth and the hardest substance in the human body,” Robles says. That pH level varies between brands because of the different processes each company uses to make the water clean enough to drink. The added chemicals and filtration systems used ultimately affect how the water tastes and its final pH level.
The study concluded that four (yes, only four) bottled water brands have a pH and fluoride level completely safe for your teeth: Fiji, “Just Water,”Deer Park Natural Spring Water, and Evamor.
“Both EPA and FDA have deemed those cleaning processes safe for human consumption, but from the dentistry point of view, it can have an impact on the health of teeth,” Robles says.
Other brands that you can also feel safe drinking, even though they weren’t included in Robles’s study are Aqua Hydrate, Essentia,Icelandic, andReal Water. They also have a high pH level and a safe amount of fluoride.
The issue of erosion has increased over the last 20 years, Robles continues. Even if you make the healthy choice to switch from soda to water, the wrong kinds of water can still have damaging effects on your teeth, just at a slower rate. A small amount of fluoride is necessary to make our teeth more resistant to cavities, but it’s important to know which brands have too much so you can keep your teeth healthy.
NEXT: Discover how to clean a water bottle the right way.
FAQs
The study concluded that four (yes, only four) bottled water brands have a pH and fluoride level completely safe for your teeth: Fiji, “Just Water,” Deer Park Natural Spring Water, and Evamor.
Which bottled water brand has the least microplastics? ›
Averaging across lots by brand, Nestle Pure Life and Gerolsteiner showed the highest average densities at 930 and 807 MPP/L, respectively, while San Pellegrino and Minalba showed the lowest microplastic contamination with 30.0 and 63.1 MPP/L, respectively (Figure 1).
What water bottles are the cleanest and healthiest to drink? ›
But if you're really looking for the cleanest, most natural drinking option, glass is probably the best material to go with.
What is the #1 healthiest water to drink? ›
Spring water is considered the healthiest water to drink because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. As the name implies, the water comes from a spring or an underground source. It is the purest form of water since it is natural and organic without any treatment.
Is there any bottled water that is safe to drink? ›
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of bottled water and bases its standards on the EPA standards for tap water. If these standards are met, water is considered safe for most healthy individuals.
Which bottled water is 100% spring? ›
Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water® is the only major U.S. bottled water that's captured directly at authentic natural springs — naturally.
What is the #1 bottled water? ›
1) Mountain Valley
Mountain Valley, spring water from Arkansas, takes top marks. It's light and clean, barely sweet.
What is the least toxic bottled water? ›
Bottled Water
- Polar Natural Seltzer Water (6.41 ppt)
- Bubly Blackberry Sparkling Water (2.24 ppt)
- Poland Spring Zesty Lime Sparkling Water (1.66 ppt)
- Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water (1.24 ppt)
- LaCroix Natural Sparkling Water (1.16 ppt)
- Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water (1.1 ppt)
What plastic water is safest? ›
PET has been used to package beverage, food, and other products for more 35 years. For the record, PET plastic does not contain bisphenol A (BPA). High density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic bottled water packaging material that FDA has approved as safe for food contact.
Is it safe to drink bottled water every day? ›
People who drink large amounts of bottled water with high concentrations of chemicals like BPA or other replacements have been shown to be far more likely to suffer from health conditions like cardiovascular disease or even Type 2 diabetes.
In the United States, bottled water is governed by the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA. Tap water is governed by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. ***Keep in mind, there are even brands of bottled water that are actually just filtered tap water – like Aquafina and Dasani.
Which water bottles are not safe? ›
Plastic water bottles are convenient, but they pose some serious health risks. Many plastics contain harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which can leach into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight.
What is the purest water bottle brand? ›
15 Highest Quality Bottled Water Brands in The US
- Poland Spring Water. ...
- Dasani. ...
- Nestle Pure Life. ...
- BodyArmor Sports Water. Insider Monkey Score: 6/10. ...
- Mountain Valley. Insider Monkey Score: 6/10. ...
- Smart Water. Insider Monkey Score: 7/10. ...
- Voss. Insider Monkey Score: 7/10. ...
- Liquid Death. Overall Insider Monkey Score: 7/10.
What is the safest bottled water to drink in 2024? ›
Fiji stands among the safest bottled water brands to drink in 2024. According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey, Fiji Water earned the highest net favorability rating (57) among all U.S. adults, outperforming the second-place brand, Aquafina, by a significant margin of 13 percentage points.
What is the safest source of drinking water? ›
Generally, both groundwater and surface water can provide safe drinking water, as long as the sources are not polluted and the water is sufficiently treated. Groundwater is preferable over surface water for a number of reasons.
What is the healthiest drink for you? ›
Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.
What water is non-toxic? ›
Spring water: This type of water comes from natural springs. It's often marketed as being exceptionally pure and free from most contaminants. The mineral content in spring water varies based on the spring's location and the surrounding geological conditions.
Is 100% water safe? ›
Long-term consumption of ultra-pure or 100% pure water can lead to the dilution of the electrolytes dissolved in body water, which may compromise the function of vital organs.