Increasing your water intake is always a good idea for your overall health, but how does it affect your teeth? In this blog post, we explore some of the reasons why drinking more water is excellent for your smile and why you should make water your beverage of choice if you’re dreaming of a healthier smile in 2022.
Increases Saliva Production
Saliva helps curb bacteria production on the surface of your teeth. It also contains enzymes that help you break down and better digest your food. When you don’t produce enough saliva, you run the risk of developing dry mouth, which encourages bacteria overgrowth and can even lead to discomfort, bad breath, and gum disease. Drinking water helps your body produce adequate saliva to keep your mouth moist and maintain a healthy environment for your teeth and gums.
Strengthens Enamel
In the United States, tap water is fortified with minerals like fluoride which help strengthen your teeth and ward off decay. In other words, drinking water can help remineralize your teeth and make them even stronger. Try carrying a refillable water bottle and fill it up with tap water from home to get remineralizing benefits no matter where you go!
Sugar-Free Hydration
We recommend you stick to water, herbal teas, and unsweetened carbonated water to maintain a healthy smile. Avoid sugary and acidic beverages like coffee, black tea, fruit juices, and alcohol as much as possible because they promote bacteria production, wear down enamel, and inhibit saliva production.
If plain water isn’t appealing to you, you can always experiment with flavoring your water with fresh berries, cucumber slices, or just a small squeeze of lemon or lime to give it a flavorful boost.
Affordable Dentist in Fort Smith, AR
Drinking more water, especially when paired with daily brushing and flossing, is fantastic for your oral health. Visiting the dentist twice a year is also an important way to maintain your smile. From preventive care to cosmetic and restorative services, Southern Dental Forth Smith has you covered! We offer a range of affordable services to suit the needs of our patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
