Drink Water to Protect Your Smile

The human body is approximately 60% water, so you should drink plenty of water to replenish your body and stay healthy. Dehydration can lead to serious medical conditions as well as oral health concerns.

Dentists and other medical professionals agree that you should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water to maintain adequate levels of hydration. Dr. Brenda Paulen, a dentist serving patients in Sandy Springs, GA, describes three oral health benefits you will notice when you drink plenty of water.

oral health preservation Sandy Springs Georgia

How Hydration Impacts Your Oral Health

Boost Your Oral Hygiene

We practice oral hygiene in order to remove plaque, tartar, and other residues that accrue over our teeth throughout our days. This build-up could hurt tooth enamel, risking the formation of dental problems like cavities. Proper oral hygiene regimens lower this risk and should entail brushing teeth twice every day and flossing daily.

But we consume substances that contribute to plaque formation between these oral hygiene routines. Drinking a glass of water can rinse residues from your smile that could otherwise cause dental damage. Getting rid of lingering food particles will also help you prevent bad breath.

Prevent Dry Mouth

Low levels of hydration may mean that you are producing less saliva in your mouth, leading to a condition called dry mouth. This dry environment feels uncomfortable but also allows the natural bacteria in your mouth to more easily spread across your teeth. This creates a higher chance of contracting oral infections like periodontal disease.

Gum disease can cause major structural damage to your smile, including tooth loss, if it progresses. Once it advances, it is hard to eradicate, so dentists recommend taking preventative measures to protect your gums. Drinking plenty of water will help you maintain a low-risk oral environment, protecting your teeth and gums.

Experience Wellness Benefits from Your Beverage Choice

Water offers many health advantages compared to other popular beverages like soft drinks. It contains zero calories and no added sugar. Sugar notoriously hurts your teeth because it reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic. The acid then erodes your enamel, putting your dental health and structure at risk.

Water may also have fluoride, a substance that absorbs into your tooth enamel and fortifies it against agents that may stain or harm your smile. By choosing water over other drinks, you can preserve the bright look of your smile and fight off tooth decay.

Find More Oral Health Tips from Your Sandy Springs, GA Dentist

Proud Smiles offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental solutions to boost our patients’ oral health in Sandy Springs, GA. Dr. Paulen also specializes in implant, general, and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening services. Whether you seek a routine dental check-up or assistance with a dental emergency, our team can provide optimal dental care. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 404.418.7734 or reach a member of our staff online.