Where there is no water, there is no health!
We are mostly clued about the foods that are good or bad for our oral health. We also acknowledge that drinking water keeps our skin and body healthy. However, most of us have no clue about the dental health-related benefits of drinking more water. Our body is 60% water, and dehydration can be fatal. Drinking water helps your brain and kidneys to function better, improves metabolism, and also helps with weight loss. Moreover, if the water you are drinking is fluoridated, it can improve your dental health by many folds. The question is, how does drinking more water protect the teeth? Well, to answer your queries, keep reading!
Dental Health and Water- What is the Connection?
Drinking water is good for your oral health and your overall health. Bacteria can easily harbor in your mouth and adhere to your teeth and gums by making their home in the layer of plaque that forms on the teeth. Even though brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are good enough to upkeep your dental health, drinking more water can also protect your teeth from dental issues and gum diseases. To protect the teeth from cavities and tooth decay, it is essential to “wash away” the layer of plaque along with all the bacteria. Here are a few ways in which drinking more water can protect your teeth.
1) Keep your mouth clean by drinking more water
Throughout the day, when you eat, drink, and even sleep, bacteria and food debris accumulate in the mouth. People who have a habit of eating frequently, especially in multiple portions and sugary foods, are at a very high risk of dental decay and other dental health-related issues.
However, health experts around the world recommend increasing the intake of water during meals and after waking up. They also encourage people to rinse out their mouth with clean water after every meal. This helps to rinse away all the harmful bacteria, washes away the acids produced by these bacteria, and keeps the mouth hydrated. Drinking water can also remove the stain-causing residue from the mouth and prevent bad breath. More water means a healthier and happier smile!
2) Drinking water can help fight dry mouth
Many people suffer from a condition called dry mouth, known as xerostomia in the medical world, in which the mouth does not produce sufficient saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral hygiene maintenance. It washes away the bacteria and neutralizes the acidic environment caused by them. Saliva also contains minerals and antibodies that strengthen the teeth (enamel) and improve dental health.
When the mouth becomes dry, plaque buildup accelerates, leading to dental decay, cavities, bad breath, and even mouth sores. Dry mouth also leads to demineralization of the outer layer (enamel) of the teeth, weakening them. Hence, the teeth become prone to cracks and fractures. Dry mouth is a dental condition that needs professional help. However, dentists do recommend increased intake of water in people with dry mouth alongside other necessary treatments, as it helps with saliva production, keeps the oral cavity hydrated, and protects the teeth from dental health problems.
3) Strengthen the tooth enamel by drinking more water
The outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel, is stronger than your bones, with a much higher mineral content. Studies have shown that drinking tap or mineral water increases the fluoride content and other minerals that help minor wear and tear of enamel. This helps strengthen the teeth and makes it harder for dental problems to compromise your dental health. However, filtered or bottled water may be devoid of minerals and fluoride. Hence, they cannot help with remineralization of enamel but can still hydrate your mouth and body.
4) Drinking water is sugar and guilt-free
You might have to monitor the intake of food and sugary beverages and limit yourself- but this is not the case with water. Water is calorie and sugar-free - drink as much as you want and as much as you like – unless you do not mind the numerous trips to the washroom. Instead of frizzy and sugary drinks that can invite a plethora of dental problems to your mouth, drink a glass of water to stay refreshed!
5) Drinking water can help with bad breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath can shut you away in social isolation and deteriorate your mental health. Nobody would want a bad-smelling person anywhere near them. Food debris, bacteria, and a dry mouth are the major sources of Halitosis or bad breath as we call it, and also put your dental health at stake. Drinking water can rinse the mouth of all the harmful things and bad breath as well. Drink more, smile more, and smell good!
Drink More Water Everyday to Keep Dental Problems Away!
Next time someone offers you a glass of juice or a fizzy beverage, grab water instead. Healthy eating and drinking choices can protect your dental health and body from many problems. However, it is crucial to understand that drinking more water to protect your teeth does not mean that you can compromise your oral hygiene practices. A few more glasses of water is a healthy addition to your brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups list.
Live a longer and happier life by drinking more water!
