Water is not only a necessity for life, it is also a necessity for your dental health. However, there are millions of people around the world who still don’t have access to clean drinking water or proper sanitation.
The 22nd of March is World Water Day and is run by WaterAid, whose mission is to ‘transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene’.
Due to not having safe drinking water, people put their lives at risk by using dirty water: to wash, cook and clean with.
In Britain, we are lucky to have access to clean water and safe sanitation for our daily uses which include brushing your teeth twice a day, every day. Research shows that at least one in three adults has or is suffering from tooth decay, making it one of the most extensive health problems in the UK. You may have heard of fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that is found in toothpaste and various foods. But did you know that it also occurs naturally in your drinking water, and in some regions, fluoride is even added to the water. But why is this?
Fluoride is an important factor in your daily oral health routine whether you notice it or not, and helps prevent tooth decay, a common problem that happens when acids in your mouth dissolve the outer layers of your teeth.
Water is precious. Remember to never leave your tap running whilst brushing your teeth, so as not to waste it!