You might already have been told countless times that you should drink more water, in order to protect your overall health. Chances are your general doctor has been urging you to stay properly hydrated for years. Sadly, dehydration is common, and unfortunately it can lead to a host of issues, including headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. Water is actually essential in all the body’s cells. It helps to moderate one’s body temperature, to remove waste, and so much more. What you might not know, though, is that water is also essential to your dental health. So if you care about your smile’s health or beauty, you should add it to the growing list of reasons you really should be drinking more water!
Your Whole Body Needs Water, Including Your Smile
Most people realize that the entire body needs water in order to function properly. This includes vital organs like the heart and brain. That said, water is also essential to oral health in several ways!
- First, water can actually help to gently clean teeth in between brushings, by rinsing food particles from the teeth’s surface.
- Water also helps the body produce saliva, which is a great help in maintaining a healthy smile.
- Saliva prevents uncomfortable dry mouth, which can cause foul breath. A dry mouth is more likely to get canker sores. Saliva helps limit plaque bacteria’s ability to calcify onto teeth, where it can lead to enamel erosion and irritation of the gum tissues, as well.
Avoiding Sugary, Acidic Beverages Is Great for Dental Health
Another less obvious benefit of drinking more water, though, is that anytime you choose water over a sweetened or acidic beverage, you are preventing exposure to liquids that could stain or even erode the teeth’s enamel. Sodas, coffees, and many teas are acidic in nature, which is problematic for teeth. Even red wines and citrus juices can be extremely acidic, not to mention staining that might require professional teeth whitening to effectively reverse. Water is always the best choice for your beverage!
Drink more water and stay healthy
That said, even drinking water after another drink can help to protect your smile, by helping to rinse the other beverage off the surface of the teeth.
Take time to come in, so you may speak with us about what to expect from your cosmetic adventure. Feel free to schedule a visit with Dr. Fondriest by calling Lake Forest Dental Arts at (847) 234-0517.
Dr Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist serving clients from throughout the United States