Water is important for general health, but did you realize that it is also important to maintain healthy teeth? Keeping your body hydrated maintains the moisture in your mouth, washes food debris out of your mouth, and keeps teeth healthy. Everyone wonders, can dehydration cause cavities? Yes, it can. When your mouth is not moist, there is less saliva to protect your teeth, so they are more prone to decay.
If you wish to have a healthy smile, it should be your priority to drink enough water. This is because hydration is important for good oral health and here’s why water is good for your teeth and gums.
How Dehydration Affects Your Oral Health
Dehydration can result in dry mouth, which leads to some of the dental issues. Regular visits for dental cleanings in Lethbridge can assist in controlling these issues by cleaning the plaque deposits and maintaining your oral hygiene. When your mouth is not salivating enough, it provides an ideal condition for the growth of bacteria. This makes it more susceptible to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
Can Drinking Enough Water Prevent Gum Disease?
Yes! Drinking enough water keeps your gums healthy by clearing out bacteria and food particles that can cause infection. Gum disease usually begins with inflammation resulting from plaque. Water decreases plaque buildup and maintains healthy pH balance in your mouth, lowering the possibility of gum disease.
Dry Mouth Causes and How to Prevent It
Dry mouth causes may range from dehydration to side effects of medications, stress, or underlying medical conditions. Some of the common causes are:
- Inadequate intake of water
- Some medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics)
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Medical conditions like diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome
To avoid dry mouth, drink lots of water during the day, limit caffeine and alcohol, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
Best Drinks for Dry Mouth
If you have a dry mouth, you might be curious about what the best drinks are for staying hydrated. These are some of the best beverages for dry mouth:
- Water – The best drink for maintaining a hydrated and bacteria-free mouth.
- Herbal Teas – Chamomile or ginger tea can calm dry mouth without sugars.
- Coconut Water – A natural electrolyte beverage that hydrates well.
- Milk – Contains calcium and phosphorus, which make teeth strong and keep the mouth moist.
Steer clear of sweet or acidic beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and citrus juices, which can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms and wear away enamel.
The Importance of Saliva in Oral Health
Saliva is an important contributor to maintaining the health of your mouth. Saliva washes away food bits, neutralizes acids, and keeps bacteria in check. A lack of saliva will increase your chances of getting tooth decay and gum disease. Water intake is helpful in maintaining sufficient saliva and good oral health.
Other Oral Health Benefits of Drinking Water
- Prevents Staining: Water washes off pigmented foods and beverages that have the ability to stain your teeth.
- Fights Bad Breath: By moistening your mouth, water removes bacteria that create bad breath.
- Preserves Tooth Enamel: Fluoridated water hardens tooth enamel, making the teeth less prone to cavities.
Expert Dental Care at Absolute Dental
Hydration of the mouth is important, and consuming adequate amounts of water per day can save your teeth and gums from rot and disease. If you find yourself suffering from dry mouth or other oral conditions, a visit to a dentist in Lethbridge can resolve the problem.
At Absolute Dental, we offer expert dental cleanings to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Our practitioners at our reputable Dental Clinic in Lethbridge are here to assist you in keeping your smile bright and healthy. Book now and make a start toward improved oral health!