We learn from a young age that drinking water is crucial to maintaining overall wellness. If you’re dehydrated, you can suffer consequences that impact many systems of your body, including your mouth.
Health professionals recommend drinking at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. Dr. Keith Boenning, a dentist in Towson, MD, describes the oral health benefits you can enjoy when you drink plenty of water.
How Drinking Water Keeps Your Smile Healthy
Rinse Lingering Residue
Throughout the day, bacteria create a film of plaque over your teeth which can be removed by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. However, we consume substances in between these oral hygiene regimens that contribute to plaque buildup.
Food particles can cling to your teeth and interact with bacteria to create unpleasant symptoms like bad breath. Drinking water can rinse this lingering residue from your mouth and keep your mouth feeling refreshed and your teeth feeling clean.
Fight Dry Mouth
Low levels of hydration can decrease saliva production in your mouth which can leave you with the uncomfortable sensation of dry mouth. This condition creates an environment where bacteria can spread across your teeth and gums more freely.
This raises a dental patient’s risk for oral infections like gum disease. While dentists can treat inflamed gums with periodontal therapy, you can prevent damage to your gums and teeth by staying hydrated to lower the chances of gum disease.
Improved Nutritional Value
Water can be a healthier beverage choice compared to other popular drinks like soda. Water has zero calories and can contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.
Soft drinks have high amounts of sugar, while water doesn’t. Sugar is notoriously bad for your teeth because it reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic. The acid weakens and thins tooth enamel.
Water is also colorless and won’t stain your teeth, unlike dark-colored beverages that have tannins that absorb into tooth enamel. Typical oral hygiene practices can’t remove this kind of tooth discoloration, so water can be a better option to keep your teeth looking their best.
Neutralizes Harmful Acids
Every time you eat or drink something acidic it temporarily softens your tooth enamel. Water helps wash away these acids and restores your mouth’s natural pH balance faster. Sipping water after meals or snacks prevents acid from lingering and wearing down your enamel over time.
Supports Stronger Teeth with Fluoride
Many public water supplies contain fluoride, a mineral that helps rebuild weakened enamel and prevents cavities. Drinking fluoridated water throughout the day gives your teeth a constant supply of this natural protector. This can make them more resistant to decay. It’s like giving your smile a daily shield against cavities.
Reduces Sticky Plaque Buildup
Plaque thrives in a dry, sticky environment. Water helps break up this buildup, making it harder for plaque to cling to your teeth. The more you drink, the less plaque can solidify into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
Encourages Healthier Gums
Dehydration can lead to dry, irritated gums that are more prone to inflammation and bleeding. Water keeps gum tissue hydrated and resilient. It can actually reduce your risk of gingivitis. Well-hydrated gums also heal faster if they’re injured or irritated.
Saves You Money on Dental Care
Fewer cavities, less plaque, and healthier gums mean fewer trips to the dentist for fillings, cleanings, or gum treatments. Water is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to maintain your oral health.
Bonus Tip: For extra benefits, swish water around your mouth after eating, especially if you can’t brush right away. It’s an easy habit that keeps your smile fresh and clean between brushings.
Schedule an Appointment in Towson, MD
Boenning & Dancykier Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry treats gum disease and other dental conditions, offering both preventative and emergency dental care. Dr. Boenning is an expert dentist, specializing in restorative, implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry in Towson, MD. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 410-324-2294.