Is it safe to brush my teeth with hotel tap water? Or should I use bottled?

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Logan Svensson190 rep1

I know I shouldn't drink the tap water, but what about brushing teeth?

My partner uses bottled water for everything, but I've been using the tap to rinse my mouth. Now I have a bit of a tummy rumble. Is the tap water that bad?

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1 Answer from travellers

Verified Local Expert

This depends on your stomach's sensitivity, but the general rule for tourists is: Play it safe.

The Risk: Sri Lankan tap water is chlorinated, but the pipes in older hotels can introduce bacteria. Swallowing even a small amount of foam can upset a sensitive "western" stomach.

The "Bottle" Rule: Use bottled water for brushing. Keep a bottle on the sink as a visual reminder.

The "Rumble": If you already have a rumble, switch to bottled water immediately and drink a King Coconut (Thambili), it’s the best natural electrolyte cure for a mild upset stomach.

Exceptions: In high-end 5-star hotels (like Shangri-La or Cinnamon Grand), the water is highly filtered and usually safe for brushing, but why risk it?

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