Can I brush my teeth with tap water during a boil water advisory?
In Wildwood, MO, not unless you boil it first. Missouri American Water, which the City of Wildwood lists among its utilities, says to bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for three minutes and cool it, “or use bottled water,” for a list of uses that includes brushing teeth. This post is general reference. Always follow the official notice for your address, because notices can add steps.
What is a boil water advisory?
It is a public notice that tells customers to boil tap water before they use it in certain ways. Missouri American Water’s fact sheet says there are two kinds: a precautionary boil water advisory and a mandatory boil water order. It explains that “advisories are most commonly issued when a water system experiences a loss of positive water pressure, such as during some main breaks.”
Wildwood homes on a private well are not customers of a utility, so a utility notice does not speak to a well. If you use a well, our post on private wells in Wildwood covers testing.
What oral care steps should I follow?
The utility’s list includes brushing teeth, drinking, and preparing food. Here is how that looks for mouth care:
- Wet your toothbrush with boiled, cooled water or with bottled water.
- Keep a clean cup of boiled, cooled or bottled water by the sink for rinsing after you brush.
- For children, set out the cup and show them to spit into the sink and not swallow tap water.
- Keep brushing twice a day. Brushing still matters during an advisory.
Items 2 and 3 apply the same rule to rinsing. They are our plain-language reading of the utility’s list, not a separate rule. For a retainer, mouth guard or denture, ask your dentist what to do.
Do not use a home filter in place of boiling. The fact sheet says, “Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.”
What can I skip boiling for?
The fact sheet separates what needs boiled water from what does not.
| Task | Needs boiled or bottled water? |
|---|---|
| Brushing teeth | Yes |
| Drinking, cooking and making ice | Yes |
| Washing dishes by hand | Yes |
| Washing hands, showering, bathing | No, but avoid swallowing the water |
| Laundry | No |
| Watering plants | No |
If you are not sure about a task, boil or use bottled water, and check the notice.
How long will the advisory last?
The fact sheet says “precautionary boil water advisories typically remain in effect for a minimum of 24-48 hours from the time the water samples are collected, but may last longer.” The utility notifies customers when it lifts the advisory. Keep boiling or using bottled water until you hear it is over. Once lifted, the sheet says that if you see cloudy or discolored water, run your faucets for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
How do I get official notices?
Missouri American Water says it uses a mass-notification system for significant water events. Its fact sheet tells customers to log on to MyWater at amwater.com/mywater, click Edit Info, and pick how they want alerts: by phone, text or email. Tenants who are not direct customers can sign up at awcodered.com or by texting WATER to 99411, according to the sheet. Standard text, data and phone rates may apply.
Do not rely on social media posts alone. Use the utility’s notice for the exact area and the exact steps. When a notice is issued or lifted, the sheet says “there could be additional requirements,” and it points readers to the official notice for guidance.
What about my dental care and appointments?
Keep your daily routine. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and use proper brushing technique. Floss as usual, and rinse with boiled or bottled water. Good oral hygiene does not pause for an advisory.
If you have an appointment, call the office. Our office is open Monday to Wednesday 8am to 5pm and Thursday 8am to 4pm, and closed Friday to Sunday. If you have a question about your toothbrush or a mouth guard, your dentist can talk with you about it. For a regular exam and cleaning, see our teeth cleaning page.
Next step
Read about our teeth cleaning page, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush my teeth with tap water during a boil water advisory?
Missouri American Water lists brushing teeth among the uses that need boiled or bottled water. Bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for three minutes and cool it first, or use bottled water, until the notice is lifted.
Does a home water filter replace boiling?
No. The Missouri American Water fact sheet says not to use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.
Do I need to boil water to wash my hands or shower?
The fact sheet says you do not need to boil water for washing hands, showering or bathing, but you should avoid swallowing the water. It also lists laundry and watering plants as uses that do not need boiled water.
How long does an advisory last?
The fact sheet says precautionary advisories typically stay in effect for a minimum of 24-48 hours from the time water samples are collected, but may last longer. Wait for the utility to say the notice is lifted.
Should I keep my dental appointment during an advisory?
Call the dental office. Ask whether the notice affects your visit. Town Center Dental can be reached at (636) 273-5866 Monday to Thursday. The office is closed Friday to Sunday.
Terms on this page
Sources
- Missouri American Water: About Precautionary Boil Water Advisories and Boil Water Orders
- Missouri American Water: About Precautionary Boil Water Advisories and Boil Water Orders
- Missouri American Water: About Precautionary Boil Water Advisories and Boil Water Orders
- Missouri American Water: About Precautionary Boil Water Advisories and Boil Water Orders
- City of Wildwood: Utilities, Providers, State & County Government
Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care.