What are the disadvantages of drinking hot water?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the optimum temperature for drinking water is between 18°C and 45°C. However, water that is too hot can pose several significant health risks, revealing that the disadvantages of drinking hot water far outweigh the comforts for some individuals.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential health risks associated with drinking excessively hot water, including burns to the mouth and throat, damage to the esophagus, dental erosion, and potential issues with hydration and electrolyte balance. It also covers the risk of contaminants from hot tap water and exacerbating certain digestive conditions.

Key Points

Internal Burns: Excessive heat can scald delicate oral tissues and the esophagus, with repeated injury potentially increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
Dehydration Risk: Drinking very hot water can paradoxically cause dehydration due to increased fluid loss from sweating.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Overconsumption can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Dental Damage: Regular exposure to high temperatures can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities.
Contamination from Tap Water: Hot water dissolves contaminants like lead from pipes more readily than cold water, making hot tap water unsafe for consumption.
Exacerbated Digestive Issues: People with acid reflux or gastritis may experience aggravated symptoms from consuming very hot water.
Medication Interference: Hot water can sometimes interfere with the absorption of certain medications, making them less effective.

Internal Burns and Scalding

The most immediate and apparent danger is the risk of scalding the sensitive tissues inside the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Water that feels warm to the touch can be hot enough to cause burns upon swallowing. The esophagus is a delicate tube, and repeated thermal injury from consistently drinking very hot beverages can lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this recurring damage is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer has established this link, highlighting the severity of consuming beverages above 60°C (140°F).

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Excessive consumption of very hot water can actually contribute to dehydration. This is because the body’s temperature regulation system can trigger increased sweating in response to the heat, leading to fluid loss. In addition to fluid loss, consuming large quantities can disrupt the body's natural water concentration, potentially leading to an imbalance of vital electrolytes. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can include fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

Dental Erosion and Oral Damage

Regularly drinking very hot water can have a detrimental effect on dental health. The extreme heat can cause the protective enamel on teeth to erode over time. This thinning of the enamel makes teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and increases the risk of cavities and other dental problems. The sensitive tissues of the tongue and palate can also be damaged, which can dull taste buds and cause chronic discomfort.

Contamination from Hot Tap Water

One often-overlooked risk is consuming hot water directly from the tap. Unlike cold tap water, hot water can dissolve lead and other contaminants from older plumbing and fixtures more quickly. This significantly increases the risk of lead exposure, which is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women. Therefore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises against using hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula.

Comparison Table: Risks of Drinking Hot vs. Warm Water


Feature	Very Hot Water (Over 60°C / 140°F)	Warm Water (Approx. 37-45°C / 98-113°F)
Scalding Risk	High; can burn mouth, throat, and esophagus almost instantly.	Low; considered a safe temperature for consumption.
Esophageal Cancer Risk	Increased risk with chronic exposure due to thermal injury.	No documented link to increased risk.
Dental Damage	Can cause tooth enamel erosion over time.	Does not pose a significant risk to tooth enamel.
Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalance	Potential risk due to excessive sweating and fluid loss.	Minimal risk, as it aids in gradual hydration.
Digestive Irritation	May irritate the stomach lining, especially for those with conditions like acid reflux.	Can be soothing for the digestive tract.
Contaminant Absorption (from tap)	Higher risk of absorbing lead and other pollutants from pipes.	Lower risk, as cold water is generally safer from tap sources.

Lists of Potential Negative Effects

Digestive Discomfort: Can irritate the stomach lining and weaken stomach acids, potentially slowing digestion.
Medication Interference: For certain medications that require an empty stomach for proper absorption, drinking hot water too close to consumption can decrease their effectiveness.
Impact on Sleep: While some find warm water relaxing, excessive intake before bed can disrupt sleep patterns due to increased nighttime urination.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, gastritis, or ulcers may find their symptoms worsened by very hot water.
Reduced Thirst Signal: Drinking warm or hot water can sometimes reduce the sensation of thirst, which can be dangerous during hot weather when the body needs more fluids.

Conclusion

While drinking water, regardless of temperature, is essential for hydration, the potential disadvantages of drinking hot water—particularly when it's excessively hot—should not be overlooked. The primary risks involve immediate and long-term damage to the mouth, throat, and esophagus, exacerbated by the danger of contaminants from hot tap water and potential dehydration. For most people, consuming water at a warm or lukewarm temperature (below 45°C) offers a safer alternative for those who prefer a warm beverage. Those with pre-existing health conditions or sensitive digestive systems should exercise extra caution. Prioritizing lukewarm water and always checking the temperature before sipping can mitigate these risks and ensure that your hydration habits remain a benefit, not a hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, regularly consuming very hot water can erode tooth enamel over time, which increases tooth sensitivity and the risk of cavities.

If consumed excessively, very hot water can lead to dehydration. This is because it can cause the body to sweat more, increasing fluid loss.

Yes, it is dangerous to drink hot tap water. Hot water can dissolve lead and other contaminants from plumbing systems more quickly than cold water, posing a health risk.

Yes, drinking excessively hot water can scald and burn the tissues of your mouth, throat, and esophagus. You should always test the temperature before taking a large sip.

Regular and prolonged consumption of very hot beverages (above 60°C) is linked to a higher risk of esophageal cancer due to repeated thermal injury to the esophagus.

For individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like gastritis and acid reflux, hot water can irritate the stomach lining and potentially worsen symptoms.

For safe consumption, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests an optimal temperature range for drinking water is between 18°C and 45°C (64°F and 113°F).