You may already take steps in protecting your dental health, such as brushing your teeth, flossing daily, and have regular dental check-ups, yet may not realise that drinking water has a number of practical benefits which help improve oral health.
Water is unlike any other drink, and is by far the healthiest drink available. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving.
Here are 7 reasons why drinking more fluoridated water improves oral health.
1. It strengthens your teeth
As a nation we are so fortunate to have clean drinking water readily accessible. The inclusion of fluoride began in the 1960’s and has been proven to be a safe and efficient way to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. Along with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet it can help prevent dental decay.
Water fluoridation has been endorsed by leading organisations in Australia and internationally including the World Health Organization, Australian Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Australian Dental Association.
Drinking water with fluoride, is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.
2. Drinking Water Promotes Full-Body Health
Drinking juices and sodas can wash down your dinner, but they have a negative impact since they are high in sugar and leave this behind on your teeth. By choosing water to replace empty-calorie drinks, you will promote full-body health.
3. Water washes away the bad stuff!
Water is a great mouth cleaner because it washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria love to eat. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
4. Drinking Water Hydrates Your Gums
Your dental health is not just about your teeth. It includes your gums as well. Poor gum health can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss, and it impacts your full-body health. You should always tell your dentist In Camberwell of other health conditions when visiting as they can impact upon your dental care.
5. Water prevents a dry mouth
Did you know that saliva is 99% water? When you are low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth – a condition that makes it hard to swallow and chew because of a lack of saliva. Saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. It washes away leftover food, helps you swallow with ease and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride. When your saliva supply runs low, dry mouth may also put you at risk for tooth decay. By drinking enough water, you help prevent dry mouth and ensure that your saliva is produced at an optimal rate.
6. It’s Calorie-Free
Sweetened drinks that are high in sugar and calories, create a perfect storm that puts you at risk for cavities and other unhealthy consequences like weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that drinking water can actually help you lose weight. So the next time you need a drink, go guilt-free with water to take care of your body and your smile.
7. Drinking Water Lowers Your Mouth pH level
Most of us probably do not give much thought to the pH level of our mouths. A neutral pH level in your mouth is 7.0, but acidic foods and beverages can change that. This can lead to bad bacteria growth and tooth decay. Fluoride however protects the tooth enamel against the acids that cause tooth decay. The World Health Organization supports the use of fluorides to prevent lower mouth pH levels.
If you have any oral health concerns and you would like to speak with one of our friendly dentists, please call our Camberwell clinic on (03) 9882 5566
At Riversdale Dental we specialise in all areas of children’s dental, cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns, root canal and teeth whitening procedures. Book here for a check up with one our family dentists today.
