When you’re thirsty after a long, hot day, you reach for a bottle of water, because it’s the perfect thirst quencher, right? Not always. In fact, if you’ve ever taken a sip of bottled water only to find your mouth feeling dryer than it did before, you’re not alone. To start let’s dig into the question Why Does Bottled Water Make My Mouth Dry?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the science behind why exactly bottled water can make your mouth dry. Also providing tips on how to make sure you’re hydrated the right way.
By learning more about why bottled water has this effect. We can understand how to handle it and ensure our bodies are getting the proper hydration.
High Mineral Content in Bottled Water
One of the main reasons why bottled water can make your mouth dry is due to its high mineral content. Many bottled glasses of water are known to contain high levels of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
These minerals are essential to maintaining bodily health. But they can also cause your mouth to become dry. This is because these minerals can draw moisture out of your mouth, making it feel parched.
High Levels of Sodium in Bottled Water
The most common contributor to dry mouth caused by drinking bottled water is the high levels of sodium found in many brands. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that most bottled water brands contain more than 140 milligrams of sodium per liter.
Consuming this much sodium can lead to dehydration, as salt increases the amount of water needed to balance electrolytes in the body. In addition to the resulting dry mouth, excessive salt intake can also lead to other health risks. Therefore, it is best to check the sodium content of any bottled water before drinking it.
The Need to Adjust the pH Levels of Bottled Water
The pH level of bottled water can vary greatly. Bottled water can range from a pH of 4.5 to 8.5 with most brands falling between 5.5 and 7.5. If the pH of bottled water falls outside of the range of 6.5 to 8.5, it can cause dehydration.
This is because the water molecules can become too acidic or alkaline, making the water less readily available for absorption by the body. It is therefore important to adjust the pH levels of bottled water to ensure optimal hydration.
Chemical Contaminants Found in Bottled Water
There are several chemical compounds that can be found in bottled water that can cause your mouth to become dry. These contaminants may include chlorine, nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, and other metals.
When these compounds are ingested, they can cause the salivary glands to reduce their production of saliva, leading to a feeling of dryness in the mouth.
In addition, these compounds can also cause issues with the taste, odor, and color of the water. Therefore, it is important to check the label of any bottled water you purchase to ensure it is free of any chemical contaminants.
Absorption of Water Contaminants from Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are a popular choice for storing and consuming water, however, there are certain contaminants that can leech into the water from the plastic bottle.
As the water is exposed to the plastic, it can absorb small amounts of chemicals, such as phthalates, which can have an effect on the taste and smell of the water.
Additionally, these contaminants can lead to dry mouth and other oral health issues. It is important to be aware of these potential issues when drinking bottled water.
Microbiological Contamination Effect
One potential cause of dryness in the mouth after drinking bottled water is microbial contamination. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can make their way into bottled water and cause a range of health issues.
These microorganisms can cause digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin irritation, as well as dryness in the mouth. It is important to inspect bottles for any signs of contamination before drinking and to discard any bottles that appear questionable.
Additionally, it is important to remember to keep bottled water away from any sources of heat and light, as these can make the environment more conducive to microbial growth.
Use of Chlorine to Treat Bottled Water
Chlorine is often used to treat bottled water to ensure it is safe to drink. Although chlorine helps to protect against bacteria and other contaminants, it can leave a bitter, dry taste in some people’s mouths.
Additionally, the chlorine can evaporate over time, further intensifying the dryness. If you find yourself feeling parched after drinking bottled water, try storing it in a cool, dark place to reduce the chlorine evaporation rate.
Dehydration Caused by Drinking Bottled Water
One of the most common causes of dry mouth from drinking bottled water is dehydration. Drinking bottled water may provide important hydration but it also contains additional ingredients like added fluoride, sugar, and other additives.
These ingredients can be beneficial, but in some cases, they can also cause dehydration as the body works to process them. If you are drinking bottled water and experiencing dry mouth, it is important to consider the possibility of dehydration.
Dehydration can be prevented by drinking a sufficient amount of water throughout the day and avoiding beverages that are high in sugar or other additives.
Final Thoughts
The causes of dry mouth after drinking bottled water are still largely unknown. Some theories suggest that the artificial ingredients and additives in bottled water can lead to dehydration and dry mouth, while others suggest that drinking too much water can lead to dry mouth.
Whatever the cause, it is important to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are experiencing dry mouth after drinking bottled water, be sure to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and to find the best treatment plan.
