You probably know that you should be drinking plenty of water every day. However, due to their hectic lifestyles, many people don't drink anywhere near as much water as they should. Not only is missing out on water bad for your overall health, but it is also harmful to your teeth. Since adults only get one set of teeth, you should be aware of how water benefits teeth.
By drinking water throughout the day, you can help your teeth in various ways.
Drink Water After Your Morning Coffee or Tea
If you enjoy a cup or two of tea in the morning before you start your day, follow that up with a glass of water or two as well. Coffee and tea contain tannins as well as dark pigments, both of which can stain tooth enamel. To keep your morning hit of coffee or tea from staining your teeth, wash away the pigments and tannins with a glass of water.
Drink Water After Every Meal
After a meal, your mouth is full of food debris. This debris ends up on your teeth, between your teeth and on and around your tongue. Bacteria proliferate in all these places, and they will happily devour any scraps you leave for them, multiplying and creating a more stable environment for themselves in the process.
The result is that the acid they produce will erode your enamel. Moreover, the more bacteria in your mouth, the more plaque they will create. Plaque is sticky and allows bacterial colonies to cling to your teeth. And, in time, plaque turns into tartar, which then irritates your gums, causing gum recession and gum disease.
Don't give bacteria a chance to thrive. Drink water after every meal and swish once or twice to make sure you get every last piece of food debris.
Drink Water Throughout the Day Remove Bacteria
Your mouth contains about 700 species of oral bacteria. And throughout the day, when you aren't brushing or flossing, some of those little critters are multiplying and building colonies on your teeth. As mentioned earlier, this can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Protect your mouth by drinking water throughout the day to prevent bacteria from multiplying in your mouth.
Drink Water to Keep Your Salivary Glands Producing
Without water, your salivary glands can't produce enough saliva to protect your teeth and gums from the ever-present threat of bacteria. Saliva not only kills harmful oral bacteria, but it also helps to wash bacteria into your stomach, therefore constantly keeping bacteria at low levels. Keep your salivary glands fully functioning by drinking water throughout the day.
As you can see, drinking water throughout the day can protect your teeth in various ways. Don't underestimate the power of a glass of water or two!
For more information, contact a family dentist.