Drinking more water is the single best thing you can do for your health. Whether your glass is half-empty or half-full, drinking water is always good for you. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, so staying adequately hydrated is crucial to your overall health. Yet, there are specific benefits that water provides to your smile to keep it healthy and beautiful.
Water Strengthens Your Smile
In 1951, the U.S. Public Health Service implemented water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay was at an all-time high, and without easy access to dental care, people across the nation were suffering from poor oral health. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, so drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.
Water Keeps Your Mouth Clean
Drinking water is easy and healthy. While you may be tempted to wash down that pizza or burger with a soft drink or beer, these drinks leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. Oral bacteria, which are inside your mouth by the millions, love to eat sugar. These bacteria produce acids that wear away tooth enamel. Because many drinks also contain added acids, they also contribute to eroding tooth enamel.
Water, however, cleans your mouth with every sip. Water washes away food particles and residue left behind after eating, and water does not leave anything bad behind. Of course, you still need to floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day, but drinking water helps keep your mouth clean throughout the day.
Water Fights Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a serious oral health concern. More than just being bothersome, it also helps to wash away bacteria from the teeth. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay because it helps naturally bathe the teeth in calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. When saliva production is low, a dry mouth puts you at risk for tooth decay. Drinking more water helps keep your body hydrated and increases saliva production.
At Peninsula Dentistry, we hope you will make a goal to drink more water in 2021. By simply drinking 8 tall glasses of water a day, you can drink your smile healthy.
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