The Role of Water in Oral Hygiene: Staying Hydrated for a Healthy Mouth

You brush your teeth, you’re careful when flossing, and you even limit your sugar intake. So why are you still getting cavities? Oral hygiene is more than just your standard “brush and go” situation; you would be surprised at how one small thing can make a major difference.

That one small thing, you ask? It’s water.

Drinking water is an essential part of our lives and health, serving a purpose beyond quenching our thirst. Read on as we uncover what dental offices in Mississauga are saying about the importance of water in your oral hygiene routine.

Why is Water So Important?

First, let’s address why water is vital in our daily routine. Everyone is aware that water is one of the best things we can drink for our overall health, and should be consumed frequently throughout each day.

Science shows that our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water. However, this is simply an average, as it can vary greatly based on gender, age, and hydration levels. Because of this fact, water keeps our organs, cells, muscles and much more functioning properly. It helps to keep our joints lubricated, so movement is easier, and it aids in removing waste from the body.

Now that we know just how essential water is for us, let’s dive into what it does for our oral hygiene.

Water and How It Helps Our Teeth

Strengthens Those Pearly Whites

We all know the fear of biting into something rock-hard and praying to the dental gods that we haven’t chipped a tooth. But what if we told you that water could be your saving grace? Water contains an essential mineral in it—fluoride.

When you drink water, remineralization occurs. This is when your tooth enamel interacts with the fluoride in the water and attaches to spots where your enamel may have worn down over the years. It helps prevent tooth decay and potential cavities by strengthening those areas.

However, always remember that too much of a good thing can eventually become bad. Although fluoride is amazing for your oral health, too much of it can cause white spots to form on your teeth. If you suspect you may have this issue, visit one of the dental offices in Mississauga near you.

Creates Saliva

Did you know that drinking an adequate amount of water will help your body produce saliva? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), saliva is 99% water and 1% salt and proteins.

Saliva is your body’s naturally produced defence against tooth decay. It works by helping to neutralize dangerous acids that can occur after eating or drinking. So you can see why drinking water is very important when it comes to creating saliva, which in turn will help your teeth stay healthy.

Prevents Dry Mouth

Going off of how water helps to create saliva, when there is a lack of it, we get something called dry mouth. Medically known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when we are dehydrated. This environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that, if not removed, can lead to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and gum diseases.

To prevent this from happening, you must stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. The recommended amount of water for women is 2.7 litres a day, while for men, it is 3.7 litres. However, this is just a general guideline, and it is advised that you check with your healthcare provider to find out how much water you should be drinking each day based on your lifestyle and needs.

Free Mouthwash

We can all agree that prices on everything in stores have greatly increased over the past few years. Well, not only is water already cheap, but it can help you save on mouthwash, too.

When you eat or drink something, small bits of food will get lodged in between your teeth and cause bacteria to form. Not addressing this seemingly minor issue can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

Drinking a glass of water after a meal will help to remove any leftover food particles and bacteria left behind. Plus, you’ll also be saving money on mouthwash, and who doesn’t love a bargain?

Dental Offices in Mississauga: Discover the Wonders of Water

Now that you’re educated on the importance of water, we hope you can agree that staying hydrated does indeed equal a healthy mouth. Water is truly a magical source; not only does it strengthen your teeth, but it also helps to create saliva, which prevents dry mouth, cleans them, and has zero calories.

But remember, water can only get you so far when it comes to taking care of your oral health. Make sure to prioritize regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping to ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep your teeth healthy.

Furthermore, make sure to schedule regular appointments with one of the local dental offices in Mississauga to have professional cleanings and checkups. By combining a good oral hygiene routine with regular dentist visits, you can easily maintain a beautiful smile for years to come.

For more information about the role of water in oral hygiene, call Bristol Dental at 905-712-3409 or contact us here.