Staying hydrated probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about how to best keep your smile healthy. However, drinking water throughout the day plays a key role in preventing cavities and strengthening your teeth. In fact, staying hydrated positively influences nearly every aspect of your wellbeing! Your Los Alamitos dentist explains five ways drinking plenty of water can help keep both you and your smile healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1.) Keeps Bad Breath & Dry Mouth at Bay
As plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth throughout the day, your saliva rinses them away. However, in a dry mouth, they can quickly accumulate unhindered. Not only do plaque and bacteria lead to issues like tooth decay, but they release foul-smelling odors that lace your breath as well. Regularly drinking water washes away these particles and encourages saliva production.
2.) Strengthens Enamel
Fluoride is an important mineral that can be absorbed into your enamel. When it combines with the calcium in your teeth, it creates a material called fluorapatite, which makes your teeth stronger than ever and even resists decay. Not only is fluoride found in most toothpastes and specialized mouthwashes, but it’s also contained in tap water. Drinking water throughout the day provides a steady supply of fluoride for your enamel and strengthens your smile.
3.) Washes Away Bacteria
Not only does drinking a glass of water leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed, but it helps keep it healthier as well. Water washes away lingering food particles, plaque, and bacteria that would otherwise cause oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
4.) Strengthens Your Immune System
Staying hydrated cleans out your mouth and can prevent an array of issues and infections. However, it helps clear out much more than just your mouth. It also helps your body flush out harmful toxins and dangerous particles. Not only does ridding your body of these elements keep you healthier, but it allows your immune system to spend more energy on keeping viruses and bacteria at bay.
5.) Boosts Cognitive Function
All your internal systems rely on water and blood flow to function properly, efficiently, and at full capacity. Drinking water improves circulation, which means that nutrients are supplied to the cells faster to improve function and connectivity. In the brain, this increases efficiency and promotes better concentration, cognition, memory, and mood.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential that we do everything we can to stay well and keep our immune systems strong. Drinking water is an excellent way to help nearly every part of your body stay healthy, including your smile!
About the Author
Dr. William C. Poe V. is proud to help his Los Alamitos, CA patients maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime with excellent preventive care. Thanks to his extensive education, advanced training, and state-of-the-art equipment, he is able to correct anything that may be troubling you about your smile. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has established 26 additional infection control protocols to his normal outstanding level of care to keep his patients as safe as possible. To learn more about his Commitment to Safety, feel free to reach him via his website or at (562) 594-5067.