Don’t let your water bottle prevent a healthy smile
Stay hydrated, stay healthy
Reusable water bottles are all the craze. And we get it — they’re eco-friendly, stylish, and help you stay hydrated on the go. Yet, studies have found that reusable water bottles can have 14 times more bacteria than your pet’s water bowl.1 But don’t worry, you don’t need to ditch your reusable water bottle. Instead, we’ll show you how to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle and achieve oral and overall wellness.
Keep using reusable water bottles
Staying hydrated is vital to your oral and overall health. Not only does water keep every system in your body functioning properly, but it also is the best drink for your teeth — especially fluoridated tap water.
A dirty water bottle could mean a dirty mouth. As you drink, bacteria from your saliva will find a home inside your bottle and vice versa. But fear not! Keeping your water bottle clean is the key to helping eliminate bacteria buildup. Use these five easy tips to ensure your water bottle is clean and safe:
1. Wash your reusable water bottle daily.
The dirty truth is that most of us are not washing our reusable water bottles enough. Researchers surveyed 1,000 people and found that a quarter were washing their water bottles a few times per week and more than 10% were only cleaning them a few times per month.2 Just like brushing your teeth twice a day, make sure cleaning your water bottle is a daily habit.
2. Thoroughly dry your water bottle after cleaning.
Be sure to wipe your bottle down immediately after hand washing. If you’re using a dishwasher, turn on the dry cycle. A dry bottle prevents the growth of unwanted germs and bacteria.
3. Consider rotating reusable water bottles.
If washing your water bottle daily feels overwhelming, try a rotation method instead. Use multiple water bottles and rotate them each day. This way, you’ll always have a clean one ready to go.
4. Don’t share with others.
Some things just are not meant to be shared – personal items like your toothbrush, utensils, and water bottle included. Sharing these items can pass harmful bacteria and even viruses from one person to another.
5. Opt for a squeeze-top water bottle.
Research has shown that spout-top and screw-top water bottles tend to harbor the most germs. That’s why you should opt for a water bottle with a squeeze top when you can. Squeeze-top bottles have a tenth of the bacteria when compared to other bottles.3
By following these five tips, you can confidently use your reusable water bottles knowing that you’re keeping bacteria at bay. Stay healthy, stay hydrated!
1,2,3Swabbing Water Bottles: How Clean Is The Water You Drink? (n.d.) from https://waterfilterguru.com/swabbing-water-bottles/
