Why Water is Good For Your Teeth
We all know how essential water is for life. It nourishes vegetation, supports ocean life, and keeps every cell in our bodies functioning in a healthy way…and it can protect our teeth, too!
The fluoride contained in the water that we drink every day can help to fight cavities naturally. That’s right! Drinking just a few glasses of water each day can be the key to keeping your smile healthy and strong. Not to mention, it is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do for yourself.
Keep reading to learn a few of the ways that water helps you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
It Helps to Alleviate Dry Mouth
You may be surprised to learn that your saliva is one of the best defenses that your mouth has against tooth decay. Saliva is made up of 99% water and is crucial to helping you stay hydrated. It also washes away any harmful bacteria and acids that may be leftover from the food particles inside your mouth. It makes swallowing much easier and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with important minerals like calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
Is your mouth feeling drier than normal? Then you better pay close attention to your oral hygiene by making sure you:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing your teeth daily
- Scheduling a checkup with your dentist in Encinitas, CA at least twice a year.
During your visit, your dentist will assess the health of your mouth and may recommend daily use of a fluoride rinse or gel to keep your teeth in top shape.
A dry mouth is a sign of an unhealthy mouth and actually increases your risk of gum disease and decay.
Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and improve your saliva production. Consult with your local dentist in Encinitas, CA to find the best long-term solutions for your oral care so that you can have the healthy, confident smile that you deserve.
It Works to Strengthen Your Teeth
Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter! This mineral is present in your drinking water and works to prevent cavities from forming on your teeth.
The enamel on the surface of your teeth is one of the hardest substances found in human anatomy…it’s even harder than bone! However, over time, the acidity from the foods and drinks you consume can cause your enamel to deteriorate. And unfortunately, once it is gone, it does not come back.
The best way to protect your teeth from decay is to drink fluoridated tap water. Yeah, it is really that simple! Through a process referred to as remineralization, fluoride helps to harden the enamel on your teeth, keeping cavities at bay. To help maintain proper dental health, your local oral physician may suggest using fluoride supplements as part of your dental care regimen.
The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both endorse water fluoridation as a top public health measure. In fact, research shows that people in cities that consume more water with fluoride in it are less likely to get cavities.
It Cleanses Your Mouth
You might enjoy washing down your dinner with juice, sodas, or sports drinks, but these beverages contain high amounts of sugar that can get left behind on your teeth. The presence of this sugar on your teeth attracts cavity-causing bacteria that produce acids that eat away at your enamel.
Manufacturers of these beverages often add phosphorous, citrus, or malic acids to make their drinks taste less sweet. But unfortunately, these too contribute to enamel erosion.
Water, on the other hand, cleanses your mouth by rinsing away food and bacteria before they have a chance to cause trouble. To maintain good oral health, brushing and flossing are important for cleaning the areas between your teeth. But drinking water frequently is also critical to be able to keep your smile cavity-free.
It Helps to Fight Bad Breath
Water is one of the easiest remedies for bad breath. Water keeps your mouth and body hydrated and rinses away debris leftover from the different foods you eat throughout the day. Food particles left behind in the mouth can contribute to bad breath. However, by drinking a sufficient amount of water daily, you can help keep the mouth odor under control.
Drinking water also helps you to produce more saliva. Without saliva, you will be left with a dry mouth that houses excess bacteria and contributes to bad breath. So the next time dry mouth leaves you feeling less than fresh, grab a tall glass of H2O. Once food particles are washed away and your mouth is fully rehydrated, bacteria will be less able to wreak havoc.
It Has Zero Calories
People often look for zero-calorie options when it comes to meeting their weight loss goals, but also fail to consider how zero-calorie drinks may also benefit their oral health. As we mentioned earlier, most drinks contain high amounts of added sugar, which is a major contributor to tooth decay. By drinking water with every meal, you don’t have to worry about extra sugar in your diet causing issues for your teeth or your waistline.
There are plenty of reasons why drinking water is good for you. While it is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing, it can help with rinsing away particles and residue from food and sugary drinks. Drinking water with the meals you eat throughout the day can have a huge impact on your oral health.
Find the Right Dentist in Encinitas, CA
Are you interested in learning how to maintain good dental health? Contact Ablantis Dental to schedule your professional consultation and get recommendations for keeping your smile healthy and bright!
