From a young age, we learn the importance of staying hydrated when keeping our bodies healthy. This applies to the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth as well.
Dentists and other medical professionals recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. The dentist team at Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry, a dental practice in Washington, DC, describes three ways that drinking plenty of water can help you maintain a healthy smile.
Oral Health Benefits with Hydration
Improve Oral Hygiene
Throughout your regular routine, bacteria in your mouth create a film of plaque over your teeth that can eat away at tooth enamel and lead to major dental problems if left alone. This is why you practice good oral hygiene, including brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
However, we consume substances that contribute to the build-up of plaque in between oral hygiene regimens. Drinking a glass of water can rinse residue from your teeth, boosting the cleanliness and therefore the health of your teeth and gums.
Prevent Periodontal Disease
Low hydration levels decrease the production of saliva, leading to an unpleasant condition called dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to spread more easily across your teeth and raises your risk of contracting oral infections, including gum disease.
Untreated periodontal concerns can cause gums to recede and ultimately lead to tooth loss and other issues. While your dentist can treat gum disease, drinking water helps prevent your gums from becoming inflamed and infected.
Enjoy a Boost to Your Wellness
Compared to soft drinks and other popular beverages, water is one of the healthiest choices to drink. It contains zero calories and may have fluoride, a substance that strengthens tooth enamel, making your teeth better able to resist cosmetic and structural damage.
Water also does not contain added sugar, which many soft drinks do. Sugar is notoriously bad for your teeth because it reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic and damage tooth enamel. You can preserve your smile’s appearance by drinking colorless water, as many dark-colored drinks, like coffee and tea, contain agents that can stain your teeth.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment in Washington, DC
Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry offers periodontal therapy and other general dentist treatments to patients in Washington, DC. Dr. Andrew Cobb and Dr. Matias Cima also specialize in cosmetic, digital, restorative, and implant dentistry. To schedule a consultation or appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 202.455.0901.