Most of us know that drinking water is important for our health. However, water doesn’t just help lubricate your joints, protect your tissues, remove toxins, and even support a normal body temperature—it also protects your smile [1].
But why is drinking water so great for your teeth and gums? Here’s why getting enough water every day may be one of the most important things you can do for your oral health.
Drinking Water Creates a Buffer Between Your Teeth and Bacteria
Research shows that the less water you drink per day, the higher your risk for tooth decay and gum disease [2]. Water acts as a buffer between what you eat and drink and your tooth enamel. When enough water is present, the chances of plaque or food particles getting stuck between the teeth is lower.
Drinking enough water also makes it less likely that plaque can adhere to the tooth enamel, which helps keep your teeth healthier by protecting tooth enamel and reducing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
Water Helps Replenish Saliva in the Oral Cavity
Saliva doesn’t just bathe your teeth in nutrients that can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent plaque build-up. It also helps you properly chew and swallow your food, which can aid in digestion and prevent choking [3].
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water can also help you prevent dry mouth and replenish saliva, which can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral infections. Drinking water is particularly important if you struggle with chronic dry mouth due to medications.
If You Drink Water With Fluoride, You Can Help Protect Teeth Against Decay
Not all water has fluoride in it, which is a naturally occurring trace mineral that helps protect teeth against cavities and keeps bones strong. However, some water supplies have fluoride added to them, and drinking this water can help protect your teeth against decay [4].
Since there is such a thing as getting too much or too little fluoride, talk to your dentist about your fluoride consumption during your next checkup. Getting enough fluoride via your toothpaste and drinking water can help strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth too resistant to decay, so you want to be sure you are getting enough!
How Much Water Should You Be Drinking?
Everyone’s hydration requirements are different because the amount of water you need is based on your weight, activity level, and even the temperature and humidity of where you live.
Generally, you should be drinking between 9-13 glasses of water per day, with each glass being eight ounces [5]. If you consume a diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, these foods contain high amounts of water, so you may not need to drink as much water as someone who does not eat a lot of fresh foods.
So if you don’t already drink enough water, try to sip more throughout the day. Doing so can benefit the health of both your body and your pearly whites!
Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/19/2716
3. https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/4-ways-drinking-water-improves-your-smile/
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/water-best-beverage
5. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/water/
