How Drinking Water is Related to Teeth?
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
The majority of our body weight is made up of water, the healthiest drink that is available easily.
Water helps in regulating functions in our body by removing wastes from our body, maintaining body temperature, providing a glow to the skin, and helps in functioning brain. It not only helps in body functioning, but it is also related to oral health.
Zero Calories
Water is the only drink that is free from calories while other sweetened drinks are rich in sugar and calories. These sugar and calories are the primary reason for cavity and other problems such as weight gain. Some studies have proven drinking more water helps in reducing weight.
Protects from Dry Mouth
When you don’t drink water, your mouth can easily become dry. Saliva hydrates your mouth. It helps in washing leftover food and swallowing the food easily. It also contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
When the saliva secretion is reduced, dryness in the mouth occurs, and the food particles present in the teeth turn into harmful bacteria, and plaque develop leading to tooth decay. Thus drinking water is a great choice to prevent tooth decay.
Strong Cavity Fighter
Water mixed with fluoride is a real cavity fighter. This is the easiest and most useful way to prevent you from cavities. When fluoride is added to water in an adequate amount, it strengthens the teeth. We can get fluoride water in local tap water easily. Fluoride washes away plaque bacteria and sugar substances easily. It is a natural component that prevents tooth decay.
Cleaner Mouth
Consuming sports drinks, juice, or soda may be good for your energy, but unwanted sugar is left behind your teeth. The bacteria that causes a cavity in your mouth like to eat sugar. They later produce an acid that erodes enamel (the outer shell of teeth).
Some of the drinks also have added acids such as citric acid, phosphoric acid, or malic acid. These acids reduce some sweetness to get better taste, but they too erode enamel easily. Every sip of water cleans your mouth by washing away leftover food and residue. These leftover food and residues are the foods for cavity-causing bacteria.
The bacteria that produce acid will be diluted with the help of water. Drinking water often will keep your mouth fresh for a long way and prevents from the cavity.
Eliminates Bad Breath
If we prevent bacteria from feeding on excess food particles, we can maintain fresh breath. These bacteria can also stick to the tongue and settle between the teeth. Drinking an adequate amount of water ensures that our body functions properly. It also helps wash away bacteria from the tongue and mouth, contributing to fresher breath.
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of bad breath. That’s why it’s essential to keep your mouth moist. Drinking water is a simple and effective way to stimulate saliva production, which helps remove food particles and bacteria. Sugar-free chewing gum and sugar-free candies can also aid in increasing saliva flow.
Drink an adequate amount of water and stay healthy for a brighter and younger smile!
