The Importance Of Hydration For Oral Health

The Importance Of Hydration For Oral Health

Our bodies consist of approximately 60% water, and maintaining hydration helps the body circulate healthy nutrients easily. A hydrated body eliminates waste, keeps the muscles strong and moving, and contributes to the skin’s healthy glow. 

But how does hydration help oral health and prevent tooth decay or gum disease? This article will explain all the important aspects of water regarding oral health: 

Why Is Water Good For Oral Hygiene?

Water Cleans The Mouth

Our mouths deal with a lot as we go through our day. Food particles and bacteria pass through our mouths and coat our teeth and gums. The best way for this debris to pass through and ensure a healthy mouth is by drinking water regularly. We advise drinking water throughout the day to help with this.

Water Strengthens Teeth

In most homes in Canada, tap water contains a mineral called fluoride. Fluoridated water is often referred to as “nature’s cavity fighter” because fluoride in drinking water prevents cavities and improves overall oral health. This is why we suggest always using toothpaste with fluoride in it; it’s a mineral that does wonders to keep your enamel strong which strengthens your teeth. Keeping your teeth strong helps your overall physical health and guarantees a happy smile. 

Water Creates Saliva

Saliva is crucial to the body as it defends the mouth from gum disease and tooth decay. When your mouth has sufficient saliva, your pH level is well-balanced, and food particles wash away, helping keep your mouth clean and strengthening the calcium in your teeth. Saliva also contains minerals and proteins that act against enamel-damaging acids, keeping your teeth healthy. Saliva levels increase with hydration, specifically from drinking water, as saliva contains over 95% water. Drinking water regularly helps create a steady supply of saliva every day. 

Water Prevents Dry Mouth

As we’ve seen, saliva forms a major part of good oral health; it is a natural antibacterial and helps keep your mouth healthy and clean. Saliva is also an advantage because it prevents a dry mouth. Dry mouth or xerostomia is when your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva to keep your mouth as wet as it should be. If your saliva supply runs low, it could result in dehydration and dryness of the mouth, creating an ideal environment for hazardous germs and microorganisms to develop in your mouth which can lead to oral disease or bad breath. This dryness can directly impact oral health and must be dealt with immediately. 

Water Is Calorie-Free

Other drinks, like aerated drinks or fruit juices, may contain sugar, which could result in high blood sugar, cavities, and/or weight gain but this isn’t the case with water. Plain water is calorie-free, so you can feel good about adding it to your daily routine. 

It’s not difficult to improve oral health—your first step is to start with the most basic and healthy element available to you—water. Hydration through water promotes good oral hygiene and improves general health. For optimal oral health, consult Winnipeg dentists for regular dental health check-ups and to ensure your hydration levels are right up where they should be.