Are you wondering whether or not drinking more water will protect your teeth? Here's what your Corning, NY dentist has to say about water and dental health.
When we think about dental care, we know we have to brush, floss, and regularly visit the dentist. Drinking water is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of protecting our teeth.
In the United States, up to
13% of people
don't visit the dentist because of the cost and lack of insurance. Therefore, dental hygiene is crucial, and that includes drinking water.
If you're wondering how drinking water can help protect your teeth, your local dentist in Corning, NY, has you covered.
Keep reading to learn more about how dental health and drinking water are related.
Water Keeps Your Mouth Clean
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the most important factors when it comes to dental health.
Washing down your food with soda or juice can leave behind sugar that develops into bacteria in your mouth and in between your teeth. This bacteria not only causes cavities but eats away at your tooth enamel. Sugar, acid, and even leftover food can wear away on the outer shell of your teeth and cause bad breath.
Drinking water is the ideal way to wash away the excess food and sugar left behind from eating and drinking. Food can also leave behind residue in your mouth, but water helps to dilute the residue and cavity-causing bacteria.
For an easy way to keep your mouth clean, ensure that you drink lots of water on top of brushing twice daily.
Water Hydrates Your Gums
Taking care of your dental hygiene requires more than focusing on just your teeth. Your gums also play an important role in your oral hygiene.
If you want healthy teeth, you need to ensure that you also take care of your gums. Neglecting your gums can lead to tooth loss and gingivitis.
Drinking water helps to keep your gums hydrated and prevents swollen or puffy gums.
Water Prevents Dry Mouth
Our bodies are made up of
60% water, and that means that most of our body parts need water for healthy functioning.
A healthy mouth also needs water for several functions. Your saliva is made up of 99% water, and you need it to chew and swallow your food. The consistency of saliva helps soften your food and allows you to swallow comfortably.
By drinking water, you can ensure that you produce the right amount of saliva to prevent choking and protect your esophagus. Having a dry mouth is also an indication that the rest of your body is dehydrated. This can create some uncomfortable symptoms and can be potentially dangerous.
A dry mouth also makes you more prone to tooth decay, but drinking water helps keep your mouth and body hydrated.
Water Strengthens Your Teeth
One of the ways that water is great for your oral health is that it is a natural cavity fighter. The fluoride in drinking water is an easy way to prevent cavities.
Fluoride makes your teeth stronger
because it prevents tooth decay. Some studies have shown that fluoride can help stop the damaging process once it has already started. In younger children, it can also make teeth more resistant to damage caused by acidic foods.
Most states in the U.S. have clean water available with fluoride, but many bottled water brands have little to no fluoride.
If you want to know more about strengthening your teeth and you're looking for a dentist in Corning, NY, get in touch with the well-experienced staff at Finger Lakes Family Dental. They offer a
full range of dental services
for you and your family.
Water Stabilizes the pH level in Your Mouth
While you might not consider the pH level in your mouth important, alkaline levels of pH can lead to tooth decay and bacteria growth in your mouth.
A neutral pH for your mouth is seven; however, consuming certain foods and drinks can disrupt this level. Highly acidic foods can not only erode tooth enamel over time but also throw off your mouth's pH level.
Another one of the benefits of fluoride in drinking water is its ability to prevent the pH levels in your mouth from dropping.
Water Promotes Overall Health
All of the organs in your body need water to function properly. By drinking water, not only can you protect your oral health, but you can also maintain your body's overall health.
Sodas, juices, and coffee can expose your teeth to extra acid and create discoloration. They can also contain added artificial sugars, caffeine, and preservatives that your body doesn't need.
By drinking water, you can take care of your smile and your body simultaneously.
Water Is Free of Calories
One of the most obvious ways that water is good for your teeth is that it's calorie-free. Certain foods and beverages that are high in sugar and calories can cause cavities and lead to tooth decay.
By drinking water, you can avoid going over your caloric intake and protect your teeth in the process. It is a guilt-free way to stay hydrated.
Take It From Your Dentist in Corning, NY, and Drink Up
Drinking water might not be on the top of your list for oral hygiene. However, there are several ways that drinking water can help protect your teeth. Drinking water prevents dry mouth, promotes health, stabilizes your pH levels, strengthens your teeth, and hydrates your gums.
Be sure to visit our website for a list of services from a dentist in Corning, NY, and take advantage of our
new patient offer on your first visit.
