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How Water Keeps Your Mouth Healthy

Drinking water is beneficial for your overall health, and may be especially important for oral health. Staying hydrated prevents oral dehydration, and while you may prefer the taste of bottled water, plain tap water, may be just as good, or even better. Here are some ways drinking water can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, so that the next time you visit your family dentistry professional, your checkup will be great:

Helps Prevent Cavities

Fluoridated water helps prevent cavities. Fluoride, the cavity-fighting ingredient found in most commercial toothpastes, is abundant in tap water. While some bottled water brands contain fluoride, many do not.

If you do not drink enough fluoridated water, or if your oral hygiene is less than optimal, talk to your dentist about getting a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, both of which will help prevent cavities.

Water also helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria, and is especially important for those with salivary gland dysfunction. People with certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome, may have problems with dry eyes and dry mouth. When salivary flow is impaired as a result of autoimmune disease, medications, or otherwise, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms such as fungi and yeast may build up inside your mouth, unless they are rinsed away by drinking enough water throughout the day.

Fights Gingivitis 

The most important way to prevent gingivitis, or gum disease, is to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and visit your dentist a couple times a year for checkups and professional cleanings. If you do not take care of your oral health, you may get gum disease, characterized by dark red, swollen, and bleeding gums. A severe type of gum disease called periodontitis may also lead to bone damage underneath your gum tissue.

Drinking enough water helps keep your gum tissue hydrated, helps dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth, and decreases the amount of bacteria inside your mouth. Water also helps prevent bad breath, which is often caused by poor dental hygiene and oral bacterial buildup. Advanced gum disease can also cause painful or burning gums, however, drinking cool water can help diminish inflammation and relieve pain. 

Talk to your dentist about the oral health benefits of drinking water. When you are well-hydrated, maintain a meticulous regimen of oral hygiene, and visit your dentist on a regular basis, you will be less likely to develop cavities, dry mouth, and gum disease.