Drinking water is vital to your overall health, but it also helps keep your mouth clean and improves your oral hygiene. When you’re thirsty, instead of reaching for a soda or sports drink, get a glass of water instead.
Here are 3 more reasons why water is the right choice for your oral health.
1: Helps Prevent Cavities and Staining
When you drink soda or sugary drinks, the sugars combine with the bacteria in your mouth and form acids that can eat away at enamel.
Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away some of the sugars and food particles from your teeth that can cause stains and cavities. It’s not always practical to brush your teeth after a lunch break, so drinking a glass of water and “swishing” it around a little in your mouth will help until you can get home to brush.
2: Fights Bad Breath
Certain types of bacteria thrive in a dry mouth, which is why so many of us get “morning breath.” You can stop morning breath from following you through the day by keeping hydrated with water. This prevents the bad breath bacteria from forming, and also produces saliva to wash away any lingering food particles that could contribute to bad breath or tooth decay.
3: Good Source of Fluoride
Most public sources of water are also good sources of fluoride. Fluoridated water helps fight tooth decay and cavities, especially with children.
Fluoride strengthens the entire tooth structure, making it more resistant to decay. It also promotes remineralization, which can repair early stages of tooth decay.
Having the occasional soda or sports drink is OK, but just be sure that drinking water is a regular part of your day, along with brushing and flossing. And don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning to make sure your smile stays healthy and strong.