Drinking water is often recommended as one of the best things you can do for your body. And that’s true of your oral health as well. It plays a big part in making sure your mouth stays healthy. Dr. Mark Sowell, a dentist in Plano, TX, explains further.
It Can Fight Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications and medical conditions. And it’s not a good thing for your mouth. Saliva is an important part of avoiding tooth decay and other problems. It’s the first line of defense against tooth decay developing.
This is because saliva helps to wash food particles and bacteria away from your smile. It helps to lubricate your mouth and swallow easily as well. Drinking water helps to make sure you still have enough liquid in your mouth to take on the jobs saliva is supposed to do.
It Keeps Your Mouth Clean
Water helps to clean your mouth every time you take a drink of it. In addition to helping to wash away bacteria and food particles, it doesn’t leave anything behind like other drinks.
Soda and juice are filled with sugar. Many of these drinks are also acidic for flavor. These two things together aren’t good at all for your teeth. Sugars contribute to tooth decay while acids wear away the enamel on your teeth.
Water, on the other hand, doesn’t have any of these issues. It can actually help dilute acids that bacteria release in your mouth. It’s also ideal to drink after you’ve had acidic or sugary things to help lessen their impact on your oral health. However, it’s still better to stick to water and avoid those other drinks altogether.
It Can Actually Strengthen Your Teeth
Particularly in the United States, most tap water contains fluoride. Drinking tap water supplemented with fluoride is one of the easiest ways you can help protect your teeth. Fluoride helps to fight cavities and keep the enamel layer of your teeth nice and strong.
It Helps To Combat Bad Breath
You’ve probably experienced morning breath. You wake up in the morning and are taken aback by a case of bad breath. Drinking some water when you wake up is a simple way to help combat that bad breath. It’s usually caused by a dry mouth, from your mouth breathing while you’re asleep. Bacteria go to town in your mouth because of it being dry, so water helps to wash this away.
It’s A Great Way To Keep You Healthy
Water is a way to get an overall healthier you. Many adults don’t drink enough water daily, leading to detrimental effects on your oral and overall health. Make sure you’re regularly drinking enough water. This is especially true if you’re sweating a lot due to hot weather or exercise.
Get A Checkup At Your Plano, Texas Dentist Office
Another essential part of keeping up with your oral health is visiting your dentist for regular checkups every six months. Call us or schedule a complimentary consultation online!