Time and again, you must have heard the benefits of drinking water for the skin, stomach, and kidneys. However, know that drinking water is equally essential for dental health. Are you wondering how? Well! Let us understand in this article.
1. Prevents Dry Mouth
Dry mouth refers to a decrease in saliva production. It has several causes, including snoring and breathing through the mouth, tobacco and alcohol use, taking certain medications, and health conditions like diabetes, oral thrush, autoimmune disorders, etc. Saliva is nature’s liquid wash for the mouth. It helps wash residual food particles and bacteria away. However, this natural oral cleansing mechanism no longer works when you develop a dry mouth. The leftover food and bacteria linger in your mouth, causing enamel erosion and plaque formation. However, drinking enough water helps rinse the debris and harmful bacteria away and keeps your mouth healthy.
2. Makes Enamel Strong
The surface of your teeth has 96% enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. As a result, it is durable and relatively damage-resistant. However, the onslaught of acidic and sugary foods and beverages every day can weaken the enamel. Therefore, drink fluoridated tap water to protect your teeth against enamel erosion and eventual tooth decay.
Drinking water with trace minerals and fluoride remineralizes the teeth, protects the hardness and shine of enamel, and prevents plaque and cavities. However, fluoride is present only in tap water. If you drink filtered water, consider taking fluoride supplements after talking to your dentist.
3. Neutralizes Bad Breath
If you have poor dental health, bad breath is one of the first signs. Water may help prevent the worsening of existing dental problems, for example, cavities. In addition, it may help neutralize the bad breath resulting from a lack of dental hygiene. Moreover, taking a sip or two after a meal or beverage prevents a smelly mouth. It is especially helpful when there are no facilities to rinse your mouth after a meal.
4. Lowers Inflammation
Staying hydrated helps reduce inflammation, one of the main reasons for gum disease. Existing health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders increase systematic inflammation in the body and the risk for oral health problems, particularly in people who neglect daily oral care. Drinking water helps keep inflammation in check and lowers the risk for oral health problems.
5. Prevents Other Health Issues That May Affect Dental Health
Let’s start with an example. Constipation, acid reflux, poor digestion, or bowel disorders can cause bad breath. Water helps alleviate these digestion-related problems significantly. This, in turn, also works to banish mouth odor. It stands true for diseases related to tonsils and kidneys as well. However, drinking adequate water, alongside proper health care, may prevent health issues that may affect oral health.
What are the signs of a dehydrated mouth?
The following signs indicate the need to increase water intake for healthy teeth and gums.
- Parched lips
- Sticky or rough tongue
- Bad breath
- Swollen tongue
- Food particles visible between teeth
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry throat
- Puffy gums
- Teeth stains
The Bottomline
Water is an inexpensive health booster that can work wonders for your oral health. However, it works in tandem with daily adherence to an oral health care regimen. If you experience dental health problems even after cleaning your mouth and having enough water daily, find out about dentists in La Jolla and book a consultation at the earliest.
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