Stay Hydrated to Ensure Good Oral Health

You’ve probably heard your doctor discussing the importance of good hydration for your health, but good hydration is important for your whole body, including your teeth and gums. Here’s why staying hydrated helps with oral health.

Water washes away the “bad bugs”

Drinking water can help rinse away food and sugars that stick to teeth and lead to dental problems like cavities. It can also help rinse away bacteria that cause cavities though it’s definitely not a replacement for brushing. Drinking water between brushing sessions can help flush away the food particles that bacteria feed on, reducing your risk of developing cavities and ensuring good oral health.

Drinking water helps in maintaining good oral health

Having a dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant, it’s also unhealthy. When your mouth is dry, it’s the ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. If you aren’t hydrated properly, you may notice that you develop bad breath. This is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth and it can often be treated by drinking more water and brushing regularly.

Related Articles: 6 Foods That Help You Say Goodbye to Bad Breath

You need plenty of saliva to protect your teeth

When you’re properly hydrated, your mouth naturally produces an adequate amount of saliva that coats your teeth. This saliva is important because it helps protect your teeth by neutralizing acids from food and even from your stomach if you suffer from acid reflux. When you’re dehydrated, the saliva becomes thick and sticky. It can’t coat the teeth properly, so it can’t protect them as well.

In addition to brushing twice a day, make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep yourself properly hydrated. You’ll keep your teeth healthier and avoid the nasty side effects of dry mouth, like bad breath.