When most people think about caring for their smiles, they picture brushing and flossing. Undoubtedly, these are crucial steps in any oral hygiene routine. However, there is one simple thing that you can do to safeguard your smile even more completely—drink plenty of water!
Our Glendale dentists are here with some information about why water is so important for your oral health, as well as with some tips on how you can make sure you’re getting enough water throughout the day.
The first thing to keep in mind is that saliva is your body’s natural way of neutralizing bacteria and re-mineralizing enamel. This is why patients with dry mouth tend to suffer from plaque build-up and bad breath.
In order for your body to produce saliva, you need to be adequately hydrated. What’s more, the simple act of drinking water actually prompts your mouth to release saliva: flooding your mouth with this good-for-you substance.
Additionally, in the United States most water supplies are fluoridated. This means that they have been enhanced with fluoride—a natural mineral that helps to support dental health. Fluoride works to strengthen enamel and prevent further deterioration.
Whenever you can, replace soda, juice, or coffee with water; this will help you stay hydrated, and it will reduce the amount of sugars in your mouth. Some people even set a timer to make sure that they are drinking water regularly through the day. Or, how about making a point to drink a glass of water whenever you take a break at work?
It seems so simple, but water really is hugely beneficial substance for your smile. If you want to learn more about simple things that you can do to care for your smile day to day, please feel free to contact our Glendale dentists for more information, and to schedule your personal consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!