6 Ways Drinking More Water Improves Your Oral Health

Want to lose weight? Drink Water! Want your skin to look younger? Drink Water! Want to sleep better? Drink Water!

It sounds like when it comes to your health and wellness, everyone always tells you to drink more water. It may seem like a broken record, but this advice is out there for good reason. And those health benefits extend to your oral health, too!

What's So Great About Water?

We are not exaggerating when we say that water is completely essential for the functioning of every single cell and organ in your body. It has am in regulating body temperature, supporting metabolism, and eliminating waste and toxins. Even more, hydration improves the way your brain works by enhancing cognitive function and improving mood. It can even help boost energy levels throughout the day.

Water and Oral Health

Water's benefits don't stop when it comes to oral health.

Flushes Away Harmful Bacteria

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria. It might sound gross, but this is called your oral microbiome. In some ways, it is helpful to the way your mouth functions. But some of these bacteria can be harmful, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease.

Water is key to keeping the balance. Even though you brush your teeth twice per day, drinking water helps to rinse away stray food particles and flush harmful bacteria from the surfaces of teeth and gums in between cleanings. Sip water throughout the day to help this process. Even better, swish around some water after every meal and snack.

Stimulates Saliva Production

Saliva is your mouth's natural defense mechanism against tooth decay. Think about it: if water helps cleanse the mouth, your natural saliva does the same even when you aren't drinking water at the present moment. In addition, saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that help in the mineralization of your teeth so they stay strong and resistant to decay. Drinking water helps keep up saliva production, promoting these important oral health benefits.

Keeps Stains at Bay

Just like water flusher food particles and bacteria away, it can help keep stains from setting in. Pigments in certain foods and drinks (think coffee, tea, red wine, and soda) can stain teeth with enough exposure. If you like to indulge in these beverages from time to time, make sure to sip some water afterward to help stop staining. 

Prevents Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is pretty common, but it can also be uncomfortable, and it might be detrimental to your oral health. Dry mouth results from insufficient saliva production, and it can leave you with an unpleasant, parched feeling in your mouth. But discomfort isn't the only problem. Dry mouth has the potential to create or exacerbate issues like bad breath and tooth decay. Keeping yourself properly hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water can alleviate, and even prevent, dry mouth, helping keep these issues at bay.

Neutralizes Acidic pH Levels

Many drinks, including soda or pop, sports drinks, and fruit juice, while they may not seem like it, are actually acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time. Drinking water helps neutralize the acid, bringing down the pH levels in your mouth and ultimately reducing the risk of enamel erosion. Your best bet is to avoid acidic foods and drinks as much as possible. The next best thing? Follow the consumption of these items with a nice glass of water.

Aids in Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Your mouth is the first place where digestion happens. Yup, that's right, chewing and swallowing your food are the first steps. Saliva even plays a role. When you drink water before and after meals, it helps break down food, both in your mouth and in your gut, promoting efficient digestion. This, in turn, ensures that your body can absorb essential nutrients like calcium, which is crucial for strong teeth and bones.

Cheers to Healthy Teeth

The benefits of drinking more water extend far beyond just feeling and looking better. And drinking water is so easy! We hope that by incorporating this simple habit, you can enjoy the many benefits that result.

For more ways to give your dental health a boost, schedule your next dental appointment, and be sure to ask for tips!