Hydration is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and wellbeing, and it’s also important for dental health. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth clean, fresh, and healthy. In fact, your child should be drinking more water than anything else.
Here’s why:
Your Mouth Will be Cleaner
Drinking water helps to wash away food particles that may be left behind after eating. It also helps to stimulate the production of saliva, which plays an essential role in neutralizing acids produced by oral bacteria. Additionally, stale saliva in the mouth can become a bit ropey or sticky and this can contribute to plaque accumulation. Regular water drinking freshens up the saliva and reduces the likelihood of plaque formation. Plaque and hardened plaque (called tartar) can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
There’s Zero Sugar!
Unlike other drinks, such as soda, juice, or sports drinks, water contains no sugar. Consuming sugary drinks can significantly increase your risk of developing cavities and other dental problems. Liquid sugars are the most dangerous as they flow in between the teeth and into the crevices on the chewing surfaces of teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. By drinking water instead, you can help to reduce your sugar intake and protect your teeth from damage.
Less Risk of Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
Dehydration can cause dry mouth, which also increases your risk of cavities. Plus, a dry mouth can lead to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water during the day helps to keep your mouth hydrated and can help to prevent these problems from occurring.
It Lowers Your Risk of Getting Cavities
Cavities occur when harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Drinking water can help to neutralize these acids and prevent them from causing damage to your teeth. Additionally, staying hydrated with tap water, which contains helpful minerals like fluoride, can help to actually repair damaged enamel and prevent cavities from forming.
Remembering to stay hydrated is an important part of maintaining great dental health. By drinking plenty of water, you can help to keep your mouth clean, fresh, and healthy, while also reducing your risk of developing cavities, dry mouth, and bad breath. So, make sure to drink enough water every day and maintain proper oral hygiene practices to keep your smile looking and feeling great!
