Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered with it, it’s essential for life and it makes up 60{f3cbf6ee4c2bf74284ff645d919e2d7444bc2ff84a9815f68a7ec3cea6db0d23} of the human body. We’re of course talking about water. But did you know that water is also one of the best things you drink for healthy teeth? Read on to learn the reasons why water is so good for our dental health.
Water decreases acidity in the mouth
When we eat acidic foods like lemons and cranberries, our mouths become more acidic. This is bad for our teeth because acidity damages enamel, which is the protective outer layer of our teeth.
Conversely, water helps restore the pH balance in our mouths by neutralising the acidity. This is good for our teeth because the best environment for our teeth is a neutral one.
Water cleans your mouth
The act of drinking water washes away any food left over in the mouth and helps prevents plaque. Of course, other drinks help wash away food too, such as juice, pop and sports drinks. However, these drinks contain sugar whereas water doesn’t. Furthermore, some of these drinks also contain acids (such as citric acid and malic acid) which damage enamel. So, when it comes to a natural mouthwash, water is the way to go.
Water prevents dry mouth
Saliva is a great natural defence for your teeth: it kills bacteria, neutralises acids and washes away foods. That’s why it’s important to avoid dehydration. When we get dehydrated, our body slows down its saliva production to conserve its water supplies. So, drink plenty of water to ensure there’s a healthy amount of saliva in your mouth.
Fluoridated water strengthens teeth
Depending on where you live in the UK, your tap water might be artificially fluoridated. The places where fluoridated water is most common are Birmingham, Staffordshire and Dudley .
If your water is fluoridated, that’s great news because studies show that fluoridated water decreases the risk of cavities. The process by which fluoride does this is known as ‘remineralisation’. This is where fluoride assists the rebuilding of calcium and phosphate ions onto the surface of teeth. Fluoride also helps prevent demineralisation, which is where calcium and phosphate ions are lost from the surface of teeth.
Water doesn’t stain your teeth
No-one likes having yellow or brown teeth, but this is what happens when you regularly drink tea and coffee. This is because tea and coffee contain staining pigments known as tannins. While stains aren’t harmful, they do detract from the appearance of your teeth. Water, on the other hand, never leaves a stain. So that’s just one more reason why water is the best choice of drink for your teeth.
Conclusion
Water really is the best drink for good health. So, if you have frequent problems with your teeth, consider drinking less juice, sports drinks and soft drinks and more water.
But remember that watching what you drink is only a part of a healthy dental hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are also vital for the good health of your teeth.
