Approximately 60% of the human body is made from water, so staying hydrated is crucial to your overall wellbeing. This applies to the health of your teeth and gums as well.
Dentists and other medical professionals agree that you should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day in order to maintain adequate hydration levels. Dr. Scott Finlay, a dentist serving patients in Annapolis, MD, outlines three ways that drinking plenty of water will help keep your smile healthy.
How Does Drinking Water Improve My Dental Health?
Rinse Lingering Residue from Your Smile
We brush our teeth twice each day and floss daily to remove plaque and tartar from our smiles. If these residues remain on the surface of our teeth, they can begin to erode your enamel and cause cavities and other dental concerns.
However, we consume substances between our oral hygiene regimens that can contribute to plaque formation and put our oral health at risk. Drinking a glass of water can rinse lingering food particles and residues from your mouth and prevent this build-up from accumulating on your teeth. It can also lower the chances of forming unpleasant conditions like bad breath.
Prevent Dry Mouth
If you are dehydrated, your mouth may produce less saliva, leading to a condition called dry mouth. This dry environment may feel uncomfortable, but it could also heighten your risk of oral infections like gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, infects the gum tissue, creating inflammation that can reach the bone and severely damage the structure of your smile, potentially resulting in tooth loss. You can lower your risk of contracting this disease by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you notice issues in your gums, schedule a periodontal screening with your dentist promptly to avoid irreversible damage.
Experience More Wellness Benefits with a Healthy Beverage Option
Water is healthier than many popular beverages, like soft drinks, for your body and especially your mouth. It contains no added sugar, so you will not have to worry about harming your tooth enamel and raising your chances of getting cavities.
It also may contain fluoride, a substance that strengthens tooth enamel, which will help your smile better fight off agents that could negatively impact the structure and appearance of your teeth. Discover further oral health benefits and preventative dental care methods by scheduling a consultation with your dental professional.
Get Preventative Dental Care with Your Annapolis, MD Dentist
Annapolis Smiles provides periodontal care and other general dental solutions. Dr. Finlay is a highly qualified dentist in Annapolis, MD who also specializes in implant, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth straightening treatment with Invisalign. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your smile, do not hesitate to call our team of dentistry experts. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 410.989.7132 or reach a member of our staff online.