Drinking water is beneficial for your overall health. Studiessuggest that drinking water is critical for optimal mental and physical functioning of the body. However, did you know that water is also the best drink for your oral health? From washing away residue to reducing bacteria in the mouth, water protects your teeth in more than one way.
To know more about why you need to drink more water to protect your teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas Vose at Vose Family Dentistry in Mankato, Minnesota.
Let’s find out some of the reasons why drinking water is good for your oral health.
Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Oral Health
- Makes Your Teeth Stronger
Drinking fluoridated water is a natural way to keep your teeth strong. Fluoride in water restores the level of calcium and phosphorus in your enamel and helps fight tooth decay.
- Maintains pH Level
Acids are produced in the mouth every time we eat or drink something. These acids lead to a drop in pH levels and make the teeth vulnerable to damage. Drinking water reduces the level of acids in your mouth and maintains its pH level.
- Prevents Dry Mouth
Saliva fights plaque and bacteria, preventing tooth decay and cavities. Low levels of saliva in your mouth can cause a condition known as ‘xerostomia’ or dry mouth. In this condition, plaque builds up on your teeth due to a lack of saliva production.
Water keeps your mouth hydrated and produces saliva. Moreover, it washes away all unwanted particles stuck between your teeth and fights against cavity-causing bacteria.
- Prevents Teeth Decay
Drinking water can help wash away unwanted food particles, sugars, and acids present in your mouth. Drinking water can fight plaque and dilute the acids to protect your teeth from decay.
- Prevents Bad Breath
Drinking water washes away unwanted food particles and bacteria which cause bad breath. But, what about “morning breath”? This foul breath is caused by a dry mouth. However, drinking water throughout the day can help prevent bad breath.
- Calorie Free
Unlike energy and sports drinks, water is a calorie-free drink. In fact, studies suggest that drinking water before meals helps with weight loss.