4 Ways Water Helps Your Teeth

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There are lots of reasons to drink water, especially in the hot days of summer. Water is essential for the body’s systems to function, but did you know water is also very beneficial to your teeth? Teeth don’t absorb water like the organs of your body, but drinking plenty of water can help prevent cavities and keep your oral environment healthy. If you have any doubt about the health of water for your teeth, watch what we sip on during your checkup or cleaning appointment.

Water Washes Away Food

Brushing is an essential tool to remove food particles in the morning and evening, but it isn’t possible (or practical) to brush every few hours. By sipping on water, and rinsing your mouth gently after meals and snacks, you can wash food particles off of your teeth. Clean teeth aid in cavity prevention by depriving oral bacteria of the food particles they need to multiply. If a cavity does get started, we can gently clean the decay and use a filling to repair the damage at an office visit. We will then encourage you to keep drinking water!

Water Keeps You Hydrated

The natural effects of saliva also help rinse  food particle from your teeth. When your body is not getting enough water, nonessential areas (like salivary glands) may slow production, until the essential organs (like brain, liver and lungs) are fully rehydrated.

Tap Water Has Fluoride

When you are drinking water supplied by most cities, you are ingesting small and healthful amount of fluoride. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to help strengthen outer tooth layers against decay. A note if you are a fan of bottled water: most bottled waters do not contain fluoride.

Water Can Replace Sodas and Juices

Water does triple duty here. Not only is it great to replace sugar-sweetened drinks with plain water, but many juice and sodas have dyes and colors that can slowly stain teeth over time. Clear water will not stain teeth, and it is often less expensive than sweetened drinks.

We Are Big Fans of Water and We Hope You Are Too

Summer is hot and you may be thirsty. Keep water in the refrigerator for a cool treat, and sip on it when you can. For more ideas on drinking water, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We proudly serve patients and their families from Cleveland, Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.