Drinking plenty of water is an important act of care that we complete to stay healthy. Dehydration can lead to major health concerns throughout the body, including our mouths.
Dentists and other medical professionals recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day in order to maintain adequate levels of hydration. Dr. Lynn Morgan, a dentist in Severna Park, MD, describes three oral health benefits you will experience if you stay hydrated.
Boost Oral Hygiene Between Regimens
Your mouth contains bacteria that form plaque on your teeth throughout the day. If left alone, plaque destroys your tooth enamel, so we remove it with oral hygiene routines. These include brushing your teeth and flossing.
However, we consume foods between these regimens that can leave residue on your teeth that contribute to plaque build-up. Drinking water rinses these lingering particles to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Prevent Periodontal Concerns
Low levels of dehydration decrease saliva production which can leave you with a condition called dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to spread easily across your teeth and infect your gums.
The heightened risk of gum disease can leave your gums swollen, tender, or bleeding. Untreated periodontal disease may also lead to tooth loss.
To protect your smile, dentists emphasize preventative care to keep your gums healthy without requiring intervention from a professional. For this reason, you should drink at least the doctor-recommended amount of water daily.
Get Health Benefits from Your Beverage Choice
Water offers more health benefits than most other beverage options. It has zero calories and may contain fluoride. This substance strengthens tooth enamel, making your smile more resistant to structural and cosmetic damages. Because it is clear in color, you will not have to worry about staining your teeth when drinking water.
Water also does not have added sugar, unlike many soft drinks. Sugar is notoriously bad for your teeth because it reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic and eat away at your enamel. This could leave you with painful tooth sensitivity symptoms and make teeth vulnerable to decay and other dental concerns.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today in Severna Park, MD
Dr. Morgan treats gum disease and other general dental problems in patients in Severna Park, MD. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement treatment. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 410.415.9015.