Many overlook the importance of drinking enough water daily, which is vital for achieving a healthy smile. Proper hydration is a cornerstone of maintaining good oral health. Water effectively rinses away food particles, prevents dry mouth, and facilitates the intake of nutritious foods by keeping your mouth clean. This significantly reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease, making water the best beverage for your oral hygiene. Please continue reading as we explore how drinking water can protect your teeth and the importance of visiting our general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ to maintain your oral health.
Does Water Intake Affect Your Oral Health?
First, water helps flush away food particles stuck between teeth and bacteria that contribute to plaque formation and tooth decay. A well-hydrated mouth is less likely to experience plaque build-up.
Water neutralizes harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water you can dilute acids that come from foods and drinks. This will prevent these acids from damaging your tooth enamel. It’s important to note that saliva naturally cleanses your mouth, helping to remineralize teeth. The minerals in your saliva regenerate tooth enamel. Drinking water promotes saliva production. You should also remember that dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Sipping water throughout the day, especially during meals can relieve dry mouth.
In addition, many water supplies are fluoridated. This can provide additional protection against cavities as it strengthens tooth enamel. Water can support healthy gums by keeping your mouth naturally clean, which can significantly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. At your next dental appointment, you should consider scheduling a series of fluoride treatments if you prefer filtered to distilled water for its purity. This is because filtered and bottled waters are often deficient in important minerals. Distilled and reverse osmosis water is devoid of minerals and fluoride. Minerals and fluoride are usually exclusively found in tap and mineral water.
As you can see, drinking water does protect your teeth, so be sure to drink some with each meal and throughout the day. From reducing bacteria buildup to eliminating food debris left behind, the benefits of water are endless. Drinking water regularly alongside regular dental checkups can help you maintain good oral health.
If you are in need of an experienced team of dental professionals, please look no further. To schedule an appointment with our dedicated staff, contact Dental Associates of Basking Ridge today. We are here to provide you with tailored treatment plans that will specifically suit your unique dental needs.
