Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
Water is called “hard” when it contains relatively high levels of dissolved minerals.
In Las Vegas, the main minerals responsible for water hardness are calcium and magnesium. Local water is classified as very hard.
These minerals can leave:
Seeing this residue around the home can make parents wonder whether similar buildup happens on their child’s teeth.
No.
Hardness refers to the minerals in the water rather than safety levels.
Water in Las Vegas comes from sources that have been treated according to drinking water regulations. The hardness of the water may be a nuisance because of the presence of scale and mineral deposits, but does not automatically indicate that it is unsafe or harmful to tooth enamel.
There is no need for parents to avoid Las Vegas water because of its hardness.
The calcium and magnesium in hard water do not act upon or dissolve the tooth enamel.
Occasionally, parents confuse the hard-water minerals with the dental deposits.
Plaque refers to the bacterial deposit on teeth. When plaque stays for some time, it becomes hard and turns into calculus or tartar.
Tartar does not refer to hard water mineral deposits.
In case a child develops a deposit that does not come off even after brushing, a Kids dentist will be able to figure out what it is.
Hard water cannot by itself be taken to be a direct cause of cavities.
Cavities occur as a result of the combined effect of several factors.
The oral bacteria utilize sugar and fermentable carbohydrates found in foods and beverages. In the process, acids are formed, which can erode tooth enamel.
A child’s cavity risk can also depend on:
That is why a children’s dentist looks at the complete cavity-risk picture rather than blaming the household water source.
Yes.
The concentration of fluoride in water in Southern Nevada is around 0.7mg/L.
Fluoride is different from water hardness.
Hardness arises from the presence of calcium and magnesium while fluoride is another mineral.
When water is very hard, it does not indicate the amount of fluoride.
Fluoride assists in making the enamel more acid-resistant.
Remineralization of enamel by fluoride may also take place whereby the mineral content in weakened parts of the enamel is restored. Parents can also learn more about the benefits of fluoride for children’s teeth.
Fluoride is just one factor of cavity prevention.
Children still need:
Fluoride supplements should never be administered to children just because parents worry about hard water. Parents should first take their children to a pediatric dentist who will examine the source of water, age, fluoride intake from toothpaste, history of cavities, etc.
Hard water should not automatically be blamed when a child develops white, yellow, or brown areas on the teeth.
Tooth discoloration may come from:
These symptoms may seem similar without a dentist’s examination.
Any stain that cannot be brushed off or one that is changing in shape, color, or appearance should be examined by a pediatric dentist.
There is no one-size-fits-all water source for all children.
Tap water from Las Vegas city hydrates and has fluoride.
Fluoride concentrations in bottled water differ; some bottled water has fluoride content, but some don’t have any.
This does not imply that bottled water is bad.
But, if your child drinks bottled water mostly, then you should bring it up to the dentist so that the dentist will know about the overall fluoride intake of your child.
From the point of view of dentistry, tap water or bottled water is better than soda and other such sugary drinks. Parents can also read more about hydration for kids and oral health.
This will depend on the type of filtration system you have.
Normal activated carbon filters that are only for improving the taste and smell don’t filter out much fluoride.
However, some other systems like reverse osmosis and distillation systems can lower fluoride content.
Parents should inquire about their specific filtration system.
If your home uses mostly reverse osmosis or distilled water for consumption, parents should inform the dentist about it.
A water softener is used primarily to soften water by reducing calcium and magnesium.
It can be used to solve problems in the house like mineral deposit, scale on appliances, or poor functioning of the soap.
Installing a water softener should not be considered as a dental remedy.
Soft water is not always good for your teeth.
More significant considerations include proper brushing, fluoridation, proper eating habits, saliva, and preventive dentistry.
Generally, no.
Children do not need a special brushing method because Las Vegas has hard water.
They should continue to:
For most families, brushing with ordinary Las Vegas tap water is fine.
Las Vegas heat and dry conditions can make hydration especially important.
When children become dehydrated, saliva production may decrease.
Saliva helps:
Plain water is usually the best everyday hydration choice. Parents can learn more about how heat and dehydration can affect children’s oral health.
Frequent soda, juice, sports drinks, and sweetened beverages can expose teeth to sugar and acids throughout the day.
Parents should schedule a dental evaluation if they notice:
These changes should not automatically be blamed on hard water.
A pediatric dentist can examine the color, texture, location, dental history, fluoride exposure, diet, and cavity risk to determine what is actually happening. Families can also learn more about pediatric dental care for children available through Desert Kids Dental.
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