Water. It is Earth’s most precious and abundant resource. Our bodies are literally made of up to 60% water. Water replenishes our organs, revitalizes our skin, and helps keep us healthy. But did you know water also protects our teeth? Read on to find out how it helps fight cavities and rebuild our teeth!
Rebuilds Teeth
Most city supplied drinking water is bolstered with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that naturally fights cavities by rebuilding the enamel that protects your teeth! While some people express concerns about fluoridation of water, drinking water with fluoride has been shown to be safe. Additionally, cities with fluoridated water show significant decreases in tooth decay among school-aged children. Drinking fluoridated water is recommended by the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dental Association, and the CDC. In fact, the CDC states, “the prevention of tooth decay through community water fluoridation is recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great achievements in public health of the 20th century.”
Washes Away Bacteria
This one is almost too obvious to state, but when you drink plenty of water, you wash away food debris and bacteria that grow in your mouth. As you eat, food particles are left behind. Bacteria feed off these particles, and create an acid as they consume the food. The acid left behind wears down your enamel and causes decay in your teeth. Besides brushing and flossing regularly, drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to ward off tooth decay.
Combats Bad Breath
That bacteria we mentioned above? It doesn’t smell so hot. As bacteria overgrowth happens, you will start to notice that it effects your breath. That’s why brushing your teeth can help get rid of mouth funk- it helps remove that stinky bacteria that have built up in your mouth!
Replenishes Saliva
Saliva is amazing. It performs numerous crucial roles in maintaining healthy oral health, which you can learn more about here. Saliva is composed of 99% water! The remaining 1% consists of crucial nutrients and minerals that help clean and grow your teeth, but they can't get around your mouth unless there's enough water to carry them. When you drink enough water, your body creates enough saliva to help nourish your teeth while also rinsing away bacteria and food particles. More cavities, foul breath, and gum disease can all be caused by dry mouth.
Calorie and Sugar-Free!
Many liquid drinks could help you achieve some of the aims listed above. Water, on the other hand, has the added bonus of being calorie and sugar-free! That means you get all the advantages without leaving damaging sugars on your teeth (or excess weight on your hips!). Furthermore, drinking sugary drinks can boost your risk of acquiring diabetes by 26%! Diabetics are prone to gum disease and oral infections, thus water is an excellent choice when you need a drink!
If in doubt, reach for a tall glass of good ‘ol water. The crisp fresh taste will bring a smile to your face, and that habit will help keep your smile bright for years to come!
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