Does Drinking More Water Actually Protect Your Teeth?
You’ve probably been told that you need to drink more water to protect your teeth at some point in your life. But does this work? Or is it just an old wives’ tale? In this blog post, we will explore the science behind drinking more water and whether or not it can help protect your teeth from cavities and other dental problems.
The truth is, drinking more water does help protect your teeth. Here are some reasons how water protects your teeth:
It Provides Hydration
Drinking more water keeps your mouth hydrated. A dry mouth is more susceptible to cavities because the saliva isn’t there to protect the teeth. Saliva is vital for oral health because it washes away food and bacteria and contains minerals that can help strengthen tooth enamel.
It Prevents Cavities
Water helps dilute the sugar and acid in your mouth, which can help prevent cavities. When you drink sugary or acidic drinks, the sugar and acid stay in your mouth for a more extended period, which can lead to tooth decay. Drinking water after these drinks can help rinse away the sugar and acid and reduce the risk of cavities.
It Prevents Gum Disease
Water can also help prevent gum disease by keeping your gums healthy and hydrated. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, so it’s essential to keep your gums healthy by drinking plenty of water.
It Is Calorie-free
Water is calorie-free, so it’s a great way to quench your thirst without adding any calories to your diet. If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help you cut down on calories.
It Strengthens Tooth Enamel
Water helps strengthen tooth enamel, which can help protect your teeth from decay and other dental problems. Minerals and fluoride found in water can help harden tooth enamel, making it less likely to chip or crack. While drinking more water does help protect your teeth, it’s important to note that not all waters are created equal. Bottled waters often contain added sugar and other chemicals that can harm your dental health. It’s best to stick with plain, filtered water to get the most benefit for your teeth.
It Maintains Your Teeth
Water can also help to keep your teeth white and healthy. The minerals in water can help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause them to become yellow or stained.
Health and human services recommend drinking eight glasses of water per day for optimal oral health. However, you may need to drink more or less depending on your activity level and the climate in the place you live. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking. They can help you determine the best amount of water for your individual needs.
Next time you are told to drink more water to protect your teeth, don’t be skeptical – do it. Drinking more water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your oral health. And who doesn’t want healthy teeth and gums?