How Water Benefits Your Smile

You’ve been told that water is an important part of your health, but do you really know why? This post will help you understand water’s importance to your overall health and how water directly benefits your smile.

The human body is made up of 60% water. Every single bodily system depends on adequate hydrate to function properly. Water flushes out toxins and waste from the body while also providing the body with hydration, and it does the following:

• Regulates the body temperature
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Lubricates joints

As you can see, water is essential to your overall health. It is the healthiest drink available, and it also benefits your smile in three specific ways.

1. Water naturally fights cavities. Inside every human mouth are oral bacteria that eat away at the tooth enamel. Strong tooth enamel is the biggest defense against bacteria damage, so it is crucial that your teeth are strong. In 1951, fluoride was added to city and suburb water systems throughout the United States to help protect citizens against tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, so drinking fluoridated water is the easiest thing you can do to benefit your smile.
2. Water is a natural mouthwash. While there is no substitute for flossing and brushing twice a day to clean your teeth properly, water is a natural mouthwash that rinses the teeth. After every meal, snack, or beverage other than water, particles and residue are left behind inside the mouth. Oral bacteria thrive off of these particles, and they produce acids to help break them down. Drinking water throughout the day helps to dilute the acids and rinse away bacteria so that they do not damage your teeth.
3. Water keeps the mouth moist. Water does more than quench your thirst. A dry mouth is a serious oral health condition because it creates an atmosphere where oral bacteria can easily adhere to the teeth. When bacteria are allowed to linger, they quickly form dental plaque and tartar, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your mouth moist by drinking water protects your smile.

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, we hope you will set a goal of drinking more water in 2021. Your smile will thank you!