From a young age, we understand that water plays a crucial role in keeping the human body looking and feeling its best. This wellness extends to our oral health as well.
Dentists and other medical professionals recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day to maintain adequate levels of hydration. But what benefits can staying hydrated actually offer our smiles? Dr. Robert Gauthier, a dentist practicing in Northborough, MA, describes three advantages that drinking plenty of water can provide for your oral health.
3 Dental Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Give Your Oral Hygiene a Boost
Natural bacteria in our mouths create a film of plaque over our teeth throughout the day, which can deteriorate the structure and appearance of our smiles. We practice oral hygiene to remove this plaque and keep our teeth looking and feeling their best. This includes flossing daily, brushing our teeth twice each day, and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings.
However, we consume substances that contribute to plaque formation in between our oral hygiene regimens. If you drink a glass of water, this can rinse lingering food particles from your teeth before they can cause any dental damage. This has the added benefit of preventing bad breath from developing too.
Protect Your Gum Health
Dehydration can have major negative impacts on your overall wellbeing, but it can harm your oral health too. Low hydration levels can reduce saliva production and leave you with the uncomfortable sensation of dry mouth.
The dry environment allows bacteria to spread more easily across your teeth which heightens your risk of contracting oral infections, including gum disease. Periodontal disease can cause damaged gum tissue to recede and result in severe dental problems such as tooth loss.
Gum disease requires intervention from a dental professional to eradicate, so dentists emphasize preventative measures when it comes to gum health. You can help avoid these periodontal problems by drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.
Enjoy the Healthy Beverage Option
Water provides many wellness benefits, especially when compared to other popular beverages like soft drinks. Water contains no calories and it is colorless, so you do not have to worry about staining your smile.
It also does not have added sugar, which means you will not be at risk of enamel erosion associated with consuming too much sugar. You can reduce the chances of getting cavities this way.
Water may also contain fluoride, a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This can boost your teeth’s ability to fight off cosmetic and structural dental issues, preserving the look and feel of your smile.
Learn More Oral Health Tips from Your Northborough Dentist
Apex Dental offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Northborough, MA. Dr. Gauthier also specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including preventative dental care, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, reach our office by phone at 508.506.1691 or contact our staff online.