Water and Oral Health: Water is Important for Your Mouth, Teeth and Gums

Do you realize that water and oral health have a connection? You probably have already been told that drinking water is good for you. It helps give your skin a healthy glow, keeps you hydrated, gives you important nutrients, and gets rid of waste in the body. It also is imperative to our oral health. In fact, drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your teeth! 

Water Fights Dry Mouth

Our mouth naturally produces saliva – also commonly known as spit. Saliva is incredibly important to our oral health as well. It’s our mouth’s very first defense against bacteria and tooth decay. So, when our saliva production is low and our mouths are dry, we lose that defense. That’s where water comes to help keep our mouth hydrated. Water helps wash away bits of food and can help keep your mouth hydrated when dealing with dry mouth. Here’s a great article: How does Dry Mouth effect your oral and overall body health?

Keeps Your Mouth Cleaner

Drinking water helps keep our mouths clean. When we eat and drink other beverages, acid and bacteria can build up in the mouth. Water can dilute these acids and wash away residue that can cause stains and other issues. 

It’s Sugar and Calorie Free 

Many sodas and juices are high in sugar content, which can put us at risk for cavities and tooth decay. It can also contribute to weight gain. Drinking water is always sugar-free, calorie-free and can help us cut calories and stay healthy! 

Drinking Water can Give You a Whiter Smile

Water is one of the drinks that actually whiten teeth. It not only keeps you hydrated, but it also helps prevent the formation of stains on your teeth. Swish some water in your mouth after you eat or drink pigment-rich foods or beverages to maintain a brighter, whiter smile. If you feel that it’s going to take more than water to enhance your smile, learn how you can Brighten and Lighten Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening.

Water can Prevent Tooth Decay

Water keeps your mouth clean. If left alone, the bacteria in your mouth will turn into acid, which can wear away the enamel on your teeth. To protect your teeth, drink a glass of water after eating to wash away any food from your mouth. This will dilute the acid in your mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay.

Staying Hydrated Prevents Gingivitis

Dry gums tend to swell and recede away from your teeth. They also collect plaque bacteria that cause gingivitis. As long as you drink lots of water, your gums will stay hydrated, clean and comfortable. 

By brushing twice a day, flossing, and drinking a healthy amount of water each day, we can prevent cavities, gum disease, plaque buildup, and strengthen our tooth enamel. Learn More about Gum Disease: How can I prevent it? How does it affect my body?

Did you have any idea that water and oral health were so connected? The American Dental Association agrees! Learn Why Water is Good for Your Teeth! 

Water and Oral Health is Important, as is Oral Health and the Overall Health of Your Body

Did you realize there is a “Mouth Body Connection”? You probably learned to brush your teeth at a very young age. The basics of dental care have been drilled into our brains from our parents for as long as we can remember, but as adults, the importance of our oral health can seem less and less important as we live our daily lives.

Life can get busy and hectic, and sometimes, we tend to worry more about our overall health and wellness than our mouth’s health. The truth is, our whole body is connected. When your mouth isn’t healthy, it’s often an indication that something is wrong. That’s why dentists are regularly the first line of defense for diagnosing certain diseases, such as diabetes, oral cancer, heart diseases, etc.

Your mouth is a window into the overall health of your body. Learn more from the ADA about Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body.

Schedule Your Dental Exam at Adams Dental Group

Now that you know more about the importance of the water and oral health connection, you also realize why dental health is important to your overall health. As you can see, dental health is more than visiting your dentist twice a year for your exam and cleaning. It includes brushing, flossing, and making healthy decisions about what you put IN your mouth too – like water! The Team at Adams Dental Group wants YOU and your family to get the best oral care possible, so you and your family can be healthy and happy!

Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS July 13th, 2021

Posted In: Dental Health Tips

Tags: dental exam, gum disease, tooth decay