Discover the useful oral health benefits of drinking water regularly.
Nothing beats a tall glass of water when you have to quench your thirst. Drinking water is essential to keeping your body healthy, and that includes your dental health. The oral health benefits of drinking water include preventing decay, dry mouth, and bad breath, among other advantages. Read on to learn about how drinking water can benefit your oral health and what you can do to drink more water every day.
Water Strengthens Your Teeth
Many public water supplies are fluoridated, which means they have about .7 milligrams of fluoride added to every liter of water. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that prevents tooth decay and cavities by strengthening enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth. With every sip of tap water you enjoy, you are actively protecting your teeth from damage.
Prevents Dry Mouth
Staying hydrated ensures a steady flow of saliva, which is 99% water. Dry mouth occurs when your mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and comfortable. If mouth dryness becomes chronic, the condition can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and discomfort.
Protects Against Tooth Decay
Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen your enamel. Our mouths must be regularly rinsed with saliva, so plaque and food particles are removed from the surface of the tongue and teeth. When you drink water, you enjoy the oral health benefits that come from a calorie-free, fat-free, and sugar-free rinse. Water washes away bacteria and food particles and stimulates saliva, all of which wash away plaque and food.
Decreases Bad Breath
When water and saliva clean out your mouth, the amount of bad breath bacteria is reduced. Sometimes just rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water can freshen your breath. You can even try adding some crushed mint leaves for extra flavor and fragrance.
How to Drink More Water
If you want to enjoy the oral health benefits that come with drinking water, follow these tips for drinking more throughout your day:
- Start small as you work up to drinking the recommended amount of water per day, 64 ounces.
- Use a reusable water bottle with measurements on the side, or an app, to track how much water you consume each day.
- Consciously drink before you feel thirsty. Keeping a water bottle close by will help remind you to sip throughout the day.
- When possible, choose to drink water instead of fruit juice, alcohol, sports drinks, or soda.
When you’re ready to reap the oral health benefits of drinking water, grab your nearest glass or water bottle and fill it up!
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.