Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is crucial for preserving your dental health and preventing any unwanted trips to the dentist down the road. But did you know that water is also an effective tool for keeping your teeth clean and healthy?
From fighting dry mouth to keeping your mouth free of leftover food, water can improve your dental health in a number of different ways. The leading dentist in Pittsburgh, PA — Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh — reviews the top 6 reasons why water is such an effective treatment for your oral health.
6 Reasons Why Water is Great for Your Smile
Take it from a dentist — Pittsburgh, PA dental expert explains why you should drink more water
Water is essential to our well-being. Without it, we would become sick and dehydrated. Not only is water great for quenching your thirst, but it can also greatly improve your dental health. Here’s how.
1. Water strengthens your teeth
Did you know that numerous cities across the United States put fluoride in their water? Fluoride is an incredibly effective mineral for fighting off cavities and tooth decay. By drinking fluoride water, you can strengthen your teeth over time. The American Medical Association, American Dental Association, and CDC all approve of adding fluoride to water.
However, multiple organizations have spoken out against adding fluoride to public water sources. Some people worry that mass fluoridation makes it difficult for people to limit their dosage of fluoride. Others argue that people don’t need fluoride water with the vast amount of fluoride toothpaste available on the market. However, the CDC and Forsyth Institute agree that the level of fluoride added to the water is safe for consumption.
2. It rinses away leftover food and drinks
Water is a safe and effective tool for rinsing away food and drinks. Leftover particles can cause harmful bacteria to grow on your teeth. This bacteria then produces acid that can break down the enamel of your tooth. This leaves your mouth vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. Other drinks like soda and coffee can technically wash away leftover food, but they also pose the risk of leaving sugar or acids behind. These substances can also cause serious dental problems for you.
Sometimes, we can’t help but treat ourselves with the occasional Coca-Cola or glass of wine. If you end up enjoying some of these drinks, you can wash your mouth out with water afterward. However, you should wait at least 30 minutes before washing your mouth out and brushing your teeth.
3. Water helps fight dry mouth
If your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva in your mouth, you might be suffering from dry mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by various medications or from the natural process of aging.
Symptoms of dry mouth include bad breath, a dry throat, difficulty speaking, and an altered sense of taste. Dry mouth can cause dental issues such as tooth decay and cavities. Drinking water can help you manage your dry mouth issues while you and your doctor work together to develop a treatment plan for it.
4. Unlike other drinks, you don’t have to worry about staining your teeth
Water is the best drink out there for quenching your thirst. While you can definitely wash your mouth out with some Gatorade or fruit punch, these sugary drinks are pretty bad for your teeth.
Leftover sugar can allow bacteria to grow and produce dangerous plaque and acids in your mouth. These substances can cause gingivitis and other serious cases of tooth decay. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause bone and tissue damage in the mouth. Maintaining a proper oral cleaning routine and drinking plenty of water is crucial keeping your mouth free of decay and cavities.
5. Water helps fight off bad breath
One of the more unpleasant symptoms of dry mouth is bad breath. Many of the food and drinks we consume every day can also cause our breath to smell bad over time. Drinking water throughout the day can freshen up your mouth and keep it free of odor-causing bacteria. Most experts recommend drinking about six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to keep your mouth fresh and hydrated. Sipping on water throughout the day can also help your teeth stay clean and refreshed.
6. There are no extra calories
Unlike most drinks, water contains absolutely no calories. Sugary drinks that are high in calories put you at risk of developing cavities and gaining weight. If you don’t want to worry about the empty calories that sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages bring, try to add some more water into your diet.
Are you on the search for a new dentist? Pittsburgh, PA dental expert, Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh, offers both general and cosmetic dentistry services. Whatever your dental needs or smile insecurities are, Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh can create an effective treatment plan for them. Contact the team today to schedule an appointment.