Research continues to demonstrate the many ways in which whole-body health is connected to dental health; it’s all connected! That’s why today our O’Fallon dentists are going to be talking about the importance of hydration for a healthy smile. As you’ll see, prioritizing hydration can help your smile feel fresher…
H2O for Hydration
Patients of all ages need to stay hydrated so that their bodies are able to produce enough saliva to support oral health. Saliva serves a number of important roles when it comes to your smile. Saliva, for example, helps to re-mineralize and strengthen dental enamel. It also dislodges dental debris and dilutes acidic substances as they come into contact with your teeth.
While you can hydrate with any beverage, the most beneficial drink is plain old water. Here’s why…
- Water is not acidic, unlike fruit juices and soft drinks
- Water does not contain bacteria-fueling sugars
- Water does not contain discoloring agents
- In the United States, tap water is fluoridated—fluoride actively re-mineralizes dental enamel!
As you can see, there are a number of obvious benefits to drinking primarily water. So, any time that you are able to swap out a sugary or acidic drink for a glass of water, you are helping your smile!
Tips & Strategies
If you are ready to support optimal oral health by increasing your water intake, here are a few simple strategies that may be able to help you:
- Set timers or reminders to drink water during the day
- Pair water drinking with times when you take a break at work
Carry water with you so that it’s always accessible - Use a large water bottle that allows you to track your water intake
- Track the water you drink in your planner
- Commit to replacing one juice or soda with water per day
As you can see, sometimes taking control of your oral health begins with making some simple, thoughtful changes to your daily routine. Our O’Fallon dentist are here to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a consultation by giving us a call or by using the Contact Us page on our website!