There's no better beverage than water! It keeps you hydrated, aids digestion, normalizes blood pressure and protects your organs and tissues. Most people need about four to six glasses of water each day. But did you know water isn't just good for your body? It's also great for your oral health!
Here are the top three reasons why water is great for your teeth:
Water Strengthens Your Teeth
Drinking water with fluoride is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent cavities. Fluoride helps harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth after they emerge. Plus, it lowers the amount of acid in the mouth.
Fluoride has been added to the public drinking water to protect Canadians from tooth decay since the 1940s. In Winnipeg, our tap water has had fluoride in it since 1956. Fluoride is proven to prevent and even reverse tooth decay.
Water Keeps Your Mouth Clean
Bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar and carbohydrates. The bacteria latches to your teeth and gums, eventually attacking your tooth enamel. On the other hand, water cleans your mouth with each sip. It washes away residue and cavity-causing bacteria that would otherwise harm your teeth. It's an easy way to quickly clean your teeth when you don't have time to brush between meals.
Water Fights Off Dry Mouth
Fun fact, saliva is 99 per cent water and one per cent protein and salts. Therefore, saliva acts similarly to drinking water. A lack of saliva causes dry mouth, which then puts you at risk of tooth decay. Drinking water protects you against dry mouth by creating more saliva. Stay hydrated and let your saliva work to keep away oral diseases.
Drinking water regularly produces many health benefits, and great oral health is just one of them.
But, drinking water doesn't mean you get to stop practicing good oral hygiene habits altogether! Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing between your teeth is still a vital habit to ensure your smile remains healthy and cavity-free.
Want to check in on your oral health? Schedule a dental checkup with us! Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre is located in a strip mall (780-1615 Regent Ave W) at the northwest corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue. See you soon!