It’s no secret that water is one of the healthiest things for your body. Aside from providing proper hydration, water contributes to healthy internal organs, and helps regulate your body temperature through sweat production. But, did you know that water is also one of the best tools for a healthy mouth? Let’s discuss some of the ways that water contributes to oral health.
Improves Saliva Production
Did you know that saliva is 99% water? Or that saliva is critical in the fight against cavities? This makes it imperative that you drink plenty of water so that you can keep your enamel strong, and stay cavity-free. When you are low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth – a condition that makes it hard to swallow and chew because of a lack of saliva. By drinking enough water, you help prevent dry mouth and ensure that your saliva is produced at an optimal rate.
Clears Teeth of Sugar
After you’re done eating, there can be leftover food particles between your teeth, and sugar residue left on tooth surfaces that can lead to cavities. You can clear your teeth of unwanted sugar buildup by rinsing your mouth with water immediately after you eat. Simply swish water around for 30 seconds after you eat to clear your teeth of any sugary or food debris leftover from you previous meal.
Water has No Calories
Rising consumption in sugary beverages has been a major contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the United States. In fact, people who consume 1 – 2 sugary beverages per day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This can be avoided by substituting colas, sugary juices and sports drinks with a glass of water. Water doesn’t have any calories, and it contains no sugar, which makes it incredibly healthy.
Is Your Child Drinking Enough Water?
Does your child suffer from dry mouth, or have trouble swallowing? Do they drink a lot of colas, juice or sports drinks? If they drink a lot o sugary drinks and find it tough to swallow, then your child may not be drinking enough water, and their teeth could suffer because of it. If you’re worried that your child may not be drinking enough water, then bring them into our office for a consultation. We will thoroughly evaluate your child’s teeth, and provide you with flexible treatment options that are right for them.