General Dentistry

3 Ways Water Is Essential to Good Oral Health

Feb 9 • 1 minute read

A woman drinking a bottle of water after a workout.

 

Many people are still pushing strong on their New Year’s resolutions. Losing weight is one of the most common resolutions many undertake, and for those who are dedicated to shedding some pounds on 2017, we’re going to give you a tip that will help your waistline and your oral health: drink more water.

Water is essential to good physical health, but it’s also necessary for good oral health. Here are three ways water keeps you showing off your best smile:

Water Helps You Remove More Debris Between Meals

Dentists recommend brushing between meals, but a toothbrush isn’t always handy. One of the ways you can flush your mouth of food debris and sugar regularly is making sure you drink more water throughout your day. If you can’t get to a toothbrush right after a meal, consider swishing a little water in your mouth after you eat to keep your mouth clean.

Fluoridated Water Strengthens Your Teeth

A research study published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology in February 2016 looked at two cities in Canada--one that discontinued water fluoridation in 2011 and one that had continuous water fluoridation since the 1960s. Researchers examined children from the same age group over time and discovered children in the city with uninterrupted fluoridation had much lower rates of tooth decay. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Water Fights Bad Breath and Promotes Healthy Saliva Production

One of the reasons people tend to have funky breath in the morning is because the mouth produces less saliva when you sleep. Dry mouth can wreak havoc on good oral health and can lead to bad breath. To ensure your body has enough of the materials to produce healthy saliva flow and to keep your breath smelling fresh, make sure to keep drinking water throughout the day.

Thanks for Reading and Keep up Your New Year’s Resolutions!

In addition to the oral health benefits above, water is also a calorie-free source of hydration. Many people struggle with losing weight because they intake high calories through the liquids they drink throughout the day. Cut the calories out, help your body function optimally, and keep your oral health in top shape. In 2017, drink more water!

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