With hot summer days right around the corner, now is an excellent time to remind yourself to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day clears out toxins from your body, boosts your energy levels, and helps maintain a strong immune system. However, did you know that water protects your oral health as well? Your Allen dentist explains four ways drinking water benefits your smile.
1.) Water Strengthens Teeth
Consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages wears away the minerals that keep your teeth strong and healthy. As the sugars and acids begin to erode your enamel, your teeth become weaker and eventually develop tooth decay. Thankfully, most tap water is fortified with fluoride. When drinking tap water, the fluoride is absorbed by your enamel and used to replace the minerals your teeth have lost.
2.) Water Cleanses Your Mouth
While that first sip of soda or juice may taste refreshing, these sugary beverages leave behind a sticky residue in your mouth. Not only is this substance brimming with sugars, but it traps other bacteria and food particles as well. On the other hand, drinking water actually dislodges lingering particles and cleans away any leftover residues.
3.) Water Has No Calories
When you think of calories, you probably think of weight-loss and dieting. However, high-calorie snacks and drinks play a key role in the health of your mouth as well. Items high in calories often contain a lot of sugar, which weakens your teeth and leads to cavities. Not only does drinking water strengthen teeth and wash away sugars, but it won’t cause tooth decay either! So if you’re craving unhealthy foods, try filling up on water instead.
4.) Water Prevents Dry Mouth
Did you know that saliva acts as your body’s natural mouthwash? Your saliva rinses over your teeth throughout the day, which hinders the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. It also transports important minerals like calcium and fluoride to your enamel to keep your teeth strong. In a dry mouth, your enamel softens and bacteria grow rapidly. When your mouth is dry, drinking water clears away the particles collecting on your teeth and strengthens your enamel. What’s more, staying hydrated encourages saliva production and naturally combats dry mouth.
Staying hydrated benefits your entire body—including your smile! Be sure to drink plenty of water this summer to keep your oral health in tip-top shape.
About the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis of Allen Smile Design has over 15 years of experience in providing excellent oral healthcare that meets and exceeds expectations. She is a graduate of the Howard University College of Dentistry, where she earned the Community Dentistry Award and the Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award. She helps her patients maintain optimal dental health that lasts a lifetime with a combination of thorough preventive care and patient education. If you have more questions about how to keep your teeth healthy, she’d be happy to answer them via her website or at (972) 954-9728.