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As we head into summer and the weather continues to warm up, staying hydrated becomes more and more pertinent to staying healthy.
When you consider that the human body is comprised of approximately 60% water, it’s no wonder why dehydration can impact virtually every aspect of health. Proper bodily functions like protecting joints, removing wastes, and aiding digestion are all heavily reliant on proper water consumption.
With that being said, your dental health is no different.
Drink a Glass of Water a Day, Keep Cavities Away?
When we initially think of dental care, we often associate it with daily flossing, brushing, and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups. In reality, there are plenty of other daily tasks that can affect the health of our smile, which can impact it for the better or worse.
This summer, we strongly encourage our patients to commit to drinking enough water throughout the day. The amount of water you’ll need is dependent on your age, weight, gender, physical activity, and climate of the place you live. However, it’s best to try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight as a general rule of thumb.
Ultimately, drinking more water will benefit your overall and dental health in the following ways:
Avoid Dry Mouth: Did you know that dry mouth is a risk factor associated with tooth decay? That’s because saliva serves as a natural defense against decay, as it helps to neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
Strengthen Teeth: Drinking water with fluoride can be extremely beneficial for preventing dental cavities. Fluoride is often called “nature’s cavity fighter” because the substance makes tooth enamel more resistant to demineralization. Today, most water sources contain tiny amounts of fluoride to help protect teeth. In fact, a study found that small levels of fluoride in drinking water can reduce cavities by 30%.
Wash Away Food Particles: When you eat or drink something, it doesn’t just automatically disappear from your mouth. There are small pieces of food debris and particles left over in the mouth, which can often serve as fuel for harmful cavity-causing bacteria. Drinking enough water after snacking or consuming a meal can help wash away food residue that bacteria feed upon.
Show Off Your Smile and Drink up!
Before picking up a sugar-filled tea or soda this summer, consider keeping it simple with water! Drinking water is the most effective way to stay hydrated while also benefitting your dental health.