Staying hydrated is important for both your body and your smile. Not only does it help to flush out harmful toxins and increase your energy, but it also works to boost the health of your teeth and gums, minimizing the effects of serious decay and gum disease. In this article, you’ll learn why hydration is important and ways you can begin drinking more water so that you stay on top of your oral and overall health.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking More Water?
If you want to avoid feeling sluggish, improve your digestion, and reduce your risk of cavities, you can’t go wrong with drinking more water. This hydrating beverage is recommended by healthcare professionals throughout the world because of its ability to flush away bacteria and anything else that might wreak havoc inside your body or mouth.
When it comes to your smile, incorporating more water into your daily diet will not only encourage saliva production, but it will also help to neutralize harmful acids that can cause tooth decay and cavities to form.
Water is also known to combat dry mouth, prevent teeth stains (you can swish after eating or drinking dark-colored foods and beverages), and stay healthy because it contains no calories and is sugar-free.
How Can I Start Drinking More Water?
Simply drinking more water can be harder than it looks, especially if you are not the biggest fan of it, to begin with. However, there are things you can do to increase your intake, such as:
- Make it part of your daily routine by drinking an 8-ounce glass with your meals or after brushing your teeth.
- Download an app on your phone that helps you to keep track of how much water you drink each day.
- Fill up a water bottle and take it with you each time you leave the house.
- Add flavoring to it but be careful that you choose sugar-free options and those that are not overly citrus, as these can break down tooth enamel over time. You might try cucumber, strawberries, or various herbs.
- Limit your consumption of other beverages (i.e., soda, coffee, juice). If you cannot give up having a soda in the afternoon, make a deal that you will have one every other day instead of every day.
Water is one of the best ways to take better care of your smile, your gut, your heart, and your overall well-being. By adopting this helpful habit and combining it with a good oral hygiene routine, you can ensure that your smile will remain healthy and cavity-free year after year.
About the Author
Dr. Kamlesh Makwana is a trusted dentist in St. Peters who completed his dental degree at Marquette University in 1996. With more than 25 years of experience, he is skilled in helping patients maintain good oral health using various techniques. If you or a loved one is looking to minimize the potential for cavities and tooth decay, contact us via our website or by calling (636) 928-9693.
