We learn from a young age that water is crucial to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Dehydration can lead to problems in multiple systems in your body, including your oral health.
Medical professionals recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to keep your mouth healthy. The expert dentist team at Barataria Dental in Marrero, LA describes the oral health benefits you can experience when you stay hydrated.
Rinse Unwanted Residue
Drinking water when you are thirsty can leave you feeling refreshed. It can also invigorate your oral hygiene by clearing residue from your teeth.
Throughout your day, bacteria create a film of plaque over your teeth that you remove during your oral hygiene routine: brushing and flossing your teeth. However, we consume substances that contribute to plaque build-up between these regimens.
If left untreated, lingering food particles can react with bacteria to eat away at tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay. Drinking water can reduce the chances of this occurrence and keep your mouth clean between teeth brushings.
Fight Dry Mouth
Low hydration levels can decrease saliva production which can cause an uncomfortable condition called dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to spread more easily across your teeth and gums and raises your risk for oral infections like gum disease.
Gum disease can cause many dental problems. While dentists can treat gum issues with periodontal therapy, preventative care is the ideal pursuit in the event of gum disease. Staying hydrated avoids unpleasant dry mouth symptoms and lowers your risk of periodontal concerns.
Choose the Healthy Beverage Option
Compared to popular soft drinks, water is one of the healthiest beverage choices you can make. It has zero calories and may contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.
It also does not contain sugar, unlike soft drinks. This means you do not have to worry about the higher risk of tooth decay that added sugar contributes to.
Water is also colorless, so you are not at risk of tooth discoloration that dark-colored drinks like tea or coffee can cause. Keep your smile looking and feeling its best by choosing to drink water over these other beverage options.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment in Marrero, LA
Barataria Dental offers periodontal therapy and other restorative treatments from an expert dentist for patients in Marrero, LA. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 504.358.8632.