From a young age, we learn that the human body consists primarily of water. So drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is crucial to remaining healthy. This proves true for your oral health too.
To avoid dehydration and therefore dental damage, dentists and medical experts agree that you should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. If you consume caffeine or other substances that may dehydrate you, you might need to drink more to compensate.
You can feel encouraged to drink the water that you need when you know the benefits it can offer you. Read on to discover how staying hydrated will help you maintain good oral health.
Oral Health Benefits from Staying Hydrated
Boost Oral Hygiene
A healthy mouth requires maintenance and care that you need to complete at home. With a proper oral hygiene routine, you can keep your mouth clean, eliminating plaque that could harm your smile. This regimen should include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing on a daily basis.
But you consume substances that can contribute to plaque formation between these brushing regimens. To keep your smile safe and clean, you can drink a glass of water. This will rinse harmful particles from your mouth to boost your oral hygiene in between your regular routine.
This practice will also help you fight the formation of bad breath. It will remove lingering food particles from your mouth that may otherwise remain and begin to decay and produce a foul odor.
Fight Periodontal Problems
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also help you avoid a condition called dry mouth. When you have low hydration levels, you will produce less saliva in your mouth. The resulting dry oral environment feels uncomfortable but could also put your smile at risk of dental dangers.
Dry mouth will allow bacteria to spread with greater ease across your teeth and increase your risk of oral infections like gum disease. This disease will require dental intervention to eradicate. It may lead to irreversible damage like tooth loss if it progresses.
When it comes to periodontal health, you should take preventative measures. This means avoiding dry mouth and gum disease and drinking water to stay hydrated.
Strengthen Your Teeth
Many water sources including tap water will contain trace amounts of fluoride. This mineral absorbs into your teeth when you consume it. There, it will strengthen the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth.
Over time, enamel can weaken, sometimes due to factors outside of your control. So if you can fortify it through natural means like drinking water, you should do so. Strong tooth enamel will better resist tooth decay and surface stains. You will reduce your risk of cavities this way.
This can save you both time and money as you will not need as much dental work. Preserve the look and health of your smile by drinking plenty of water. Ask your dentist for more preventative dentistry tips during your next appointment.