H2O is essential for keeping your body hydrated. Healthcare professionals recommend drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration. Not only can you feel sluggish if you’re not drinking enough water, but it can also affect your dental health. While water supports a healthy smile, it can also harm your teeth and gums if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you need to know to stay hydrated while protecting your pearly whites.
Dental Benefits of Hydration
If you’re not hydrated, your mouth can become dry and uncomfortable. A dry mouth is a perfect environment for oral bacteria growth, which can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Drinking water will keep your mouth moist to reduce harmful oral bacteria. Every sip will also cleanse your mouth to keep it clean between brushing and flossing.
Dental professionals recommend choosing water from the tap because it contains fluoride, a naturally occurring substance. Fluoride is known as “nature’s cavity fighter” because it remineralizes your enamel to make your teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride has been added to many public water systems since the 1960s because of the positive effects it has on decreasing tooth decay.
Potential Dental Risks of Water
Although water is crucial for a healthy mouth and body, the source can affect your smile. Hard water is loaded with minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which can make your enamel stronger. However, it also contains iron, which can lead to brownish discoloration over time.
Besides the water you drink, swimming regularly can also harm your dental health. Chlorine and other chemicals are added to pools and hot tubes, which can increase the pH level of water. If it’s too high, it can erode your enamel. Frequently swimming in chemically treated water can cause brownish-yellowing stains. 15% of daily swimmers experience some degree of enamel loss when compared to 3% of infrequent swimmers.
If you’re an avid swimmer, test pool water regularly to ensure it’s balanced properly. If you use public pools or spas, check any metal ladders or surfaces for signs of erosion. If it can break down metal, it can erode your teeth.
Harness the Dental Benefits of Water
Dental professionals recommend drinking tap water whenever possible. Although many people prefer bottled water, it may not contain the correct levels of fluoride or other vital nutrients.
Every time you take a sip, you will hydrate your body to promote your oral health and general wellness. If your mouth or lips begin to feel dry, it’s a sign you need to drink more water to prevent dehydration.
About Dr. Jonathan Zahner
Dr. Zahner earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut and has regularly continued his training to provide the latest solutions in dentistry. He specializes in general and surgical dental procedures. Dr. Zahner is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (860) 265-4591.