Why Drinking Water Benefits Oral Health

Most of us know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. But you may not know that drinking water helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy too! In fact, if you sip on fluoridated tap water, you’re helping to fight against cavities at the same time you’re keeping your body healthy and hydrated. What follows are some excellent reasons to drink water – and plenty of it – each and every day.

• The benefits of fluoride – Most municipal water systems in the U.S. contain fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral has been proven to be extremely beneficial for your oral health. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and protect against tooth decay. If your tap water doesn’t contain fluoride, you can find bottled water that does.
• Nature’s mouthwash – Drinking water helps to wash away leftover food particles inside your mouth. Food residue inside the mouth is like a feast for bad bacteria. And it’s that bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. So the more you wash leftover food particles away, the less chance you’ll have of forming bacteria inside your mouth, not to mention the tooth decay and gum disease that are connected to it.
• A simple way to combat dry mouth – Experiencing a chronically dry mouth is quite common for people of all ages. Whether it’s caused by breathing through your mouth, a medical condition, medication, etc., dry mouth makes you more susceptible to forming tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking plenty of water is the easiest and most obvious way to fight dry mouth.
• Water is sugar-free – We’re bombarded by a variety of drink choices each and every day – from sports drinks to fruit juices to sodas and more. And while it may be tempting to reach for one of these tasty beverages on a hot day, remember that most of them contain sugar. And the more sugar you consume, the greater your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. But it’s not just the sugar in these drinks that you need to avoid – it’s the acid as well. Acidic drinks can wear away the enamel surface on your teeth, and that can lead to sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.

If you’re looking for the best way to stay hydrated during the hot summer months, choose water! The end result could very well be healthier teeth and gums.