How Does Drinking Water Help Your Teeth?

We all know how important hydration is for our overall health. It helps digestion, circulation, and regulates bodily functions. However, a lesser-known fact is that drinking water also helps maintain good oral health. 

Dentists recommend drinking enough water to prevent cavities and gum diseases, along with following oral hygiene basics like brushing teeth twice a day and flossing. These healthy habits can help prevent plaque build-up and protect tooth enamel. The general recommendation for how much water to drink per day is eight glasses.

In this article, we’ll discuss how drinking water can help improve your oral health.

• It Helps Strengthen Teeth 

Fluoride is a mineral that plays an important role in preventing cavities and tooth decay. That’s why most kinds of toothpaste contain it. In addition to toothpaste, tap water is another convenient source you can get your fluoride intake from since the United States is one of the few countries that adds fluoride to drinking water. 

• It Keeps Your Mouth Clean

Water is a much better alternative to drinking soft or sugary drinks because it does not contain any sugar. When you consume sugary drinks like soda, sports beverages, sweet tea, etc., unwanted sugar is left behind. Over time, sugar can start to affect and attack tooth enamel because naturally occurring oral bacteria feeds off it and creates an acid that can affect your oral health. 

• It Helps Prevent Dry Mouth

Drinking enough water helps your mouth produce sufficient saliva to keep the teeth healthy. The mouth needs to produce enough saliva to fight off bacteria and plaque acid attacks. When it does not, this can cause excessive plaque build-up and eventually lead to tooth decay and the development of cavities. 

• It Prevents Bad Breath

Water is a natural cleanser and drinking plenty of water increases saliva production and thus eliminates the chances of bad breath caused by dry mouth. Saliva also helps kill germs and neutralize acids that can cause bad breath.

If you would like to know more about dental care and oral health treatment solutions, call McConnell Dental Care at (435) 249-0482 or schedule an online appointment. You can also visit us at 263 Country Club Dr #102, Stansbury Park, UT 84074.