Water is one of the foundational substances of our planet, vital for all living things. Our bodies require water to keep all the complex systems functioning properly. Have you ever noticed that one of the most common pieces of health advice is to hydrate?
If you haven’t guessed already, we’re here to tell you how water helps promote oral health.
Teeth Whitening
Though water cannot actually whiten teeth, it can help to keep staining to a minimum. After consuming food & drinks known to stain teeth—for example, wine, coffee, tomato-based sauces & colorful fruits & berries—drink some water to wash away the staining substances.
Clean Mouth
Similar to saliva, water is effective in removing debris from around your teeth. If left there, food debris is susceptible to being broken down by the acids in your mouth & turning into decay-causing bacteria. Removing that debris quickly prevents it from helping to cause cavities. That’s also why we encourage you to floss after meals!
Relieving Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition in which not enough saliva is being produced, either as a side effect of medication, aging or dehydration. There are many ways to treat dry mouth, but one easy strategy is to sip on water frequently throughout the day. This helps to moisten the mouth & a side effect is that you stay hydrated, allowing the rest of your body to also benefit from the water.
Good Breath
Most cases of bad breath can be attributed to bacteria building up. Though saliva is usually effective at washing away that bacteria, sometimes it isn’t enough, especially when saliva production is low. Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day is an excellent way to help your saliva remove the bacteria that can cause a bad breath.
Aim for Plain Water
Plain water is the best kind of water for your mouth & your overall health, but some people find it difficult to stomach. After growing accustomed to flavored & often sugary drinks, plain water can be boring or even, for some, unpalatable. While you might be tempted to drink sparkling water or add lemon to your water to flavor it yourself, we recommend avoiding those as carbonation & citrus can damage your teeth over time.
Instead, we recommend trying filtered water or bottled water if tap water isn’t your thing, & trying different temperatures. Some people prefer cold water while others find room temperature water is easier to drink. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to hear about other easy ways to keep your mouth healthy!