You likely already know that your body consists primarily of water, so you need to drink water in order to stay healthy. But you might not realize that drinking water is good for your oral health as well.
Dentists and medical experts agree that you should consume at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to stay hydrated. If you become dehydrated, you could face grave consequences for both your dental and overall well-being.
It can be easier to prioritize drinking the water you need when you understand the advantages this habit will bring to your smile. Check out these three oral health benefits you can experience when you drink plenty of water.
Boost Your Oral Hygiene
Your mouth contains bacteria that spread throughout your teeth over time and form a film of plaque. This plaque allows bacteria to eat away at your teeth, putting you in danger of many dental problems. For this reason, we practice oral hygiene, including brushing teeth and flossing, in order to remove plaque and other particles from your smile in a timely fashion.
However, you may form plaque in between your oral hygiene regimens. To give oral cleanliness a boost, you can drink water throughout your day. Water will rinse food particles and other residues from your mouth to reduce plaque build-up.
It has the additional benefit of washing away particles that might otherwise give you bad breath. So your mouth will feel and smell fresher and therefore more comfortable.
Fight Dry Mouth
Dehydration can lead to many health concerns, including for your mouth. When you are dehydrated, you produce less saliva, which will leave you with dry mouth. A dry oral environment will make it easier for oral bacteria to spread with greater ease across your teeth.
As a result, you could face a higher risk of oral infections, including gum disease. This infection of the gum tissue can wreak severe havoc on your gums, teeth, and jawbone without treatment from your dentist. It will not go away on its own, so do not delay periodontal therapy if you notice changes in your gum health.
Dentists promote preventative care when it comes to your gums. So avoid contracting gum disease in the first place by eliminating risk factors if you can. This means drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and therefore dry mouth.
Strengthen Your Teeth
Some water sources, including tap water, contain fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral will absorb into your tooth enamel when you consume it, and it strengthens the teeth. This fortification will make your teeth better able to fight surface stains as well as tooth decay.
You can see a lower chance of forming cavities as a result, which will help you preserve your natural smile while also saving time, money, and hassle by reducing the amount of dental work you need. So make sure you drink tap water when you can. Learn more about preventative oral health care by giving your dentist a call today.