Drinking water is crucial to every system in your body, including your oral health. Dehydration could put your health in grave danger, and this applies to your teeth and gums as well.
Dentists and other medical professionals recommend that you drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to stay hydrated. Dr. Christopher Banks, a dentist practicing in Chevy Chase, MD, describes three oral health benefits you can experience when you drink plenty of water.
Rinse Lingering Food Particles
Plaque forms over our teeth throughout every day, but we practice oral hygiene to remove this build-up before it can damage the structure of our teeth. However, we consume substances that contribute to plaque development between oral hygiene regimens.
Drinking a glass of water can give your oral hygiene a boost during your busy schedule. The water can rinse lingering food particles from your smile before they can begin to decompose and harm your smile. This will also lower your chances of developing bad breath.
Prevent Dry Mouth
A major side effect of dehydration is a decrease in saliva production. This could leave you with dry mouth, an uncomfortable sensation that could make your smile vulnerable to significant damage.
The dry environment allows natural bacteria to spread easily across your teeth, raising your risk of contracting oral infections like gum disease. If you drink plenty of water, you can lower your risk of periodontal disease and the potentially irreversible dental harm that can stem from this problem.
Enjoy Wellness Benefits with Water
Water is healthier to consume regularly than many other popular beverages, like soft drinks. It contains zero calories and no added sugar. This means you do not have to worry about enamel erosion and tooth decay that can come with consuming sugar.
Water can also contain fluoride, a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This will allow your smile to be better able to resist dental damage as well as cosmetic concerns.
More Oral Health Tips from Your Dentist in Chevy Chase, MD
Capital Cosmetic Dentistry offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments, including tooth replacement solutions. Dr. Banks is a highly qualified dentist located in Chevy Chase, MD who also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 202.769.0324.