Does drinking more water protect the teeth?

We all know that drinking water is good for the body. But can drinking more water actually help maintain healthy gums and teeth?

It is well known that drinking eight to ten glasses of water everyday keeps the body healthy and optimally hydrated. Water is needed for many bodily functions such as maintenance of body fluids such as blood, waste removal, skin and muscle hydration, transfer and distribution of nutrients etc. Drinking plenty of water daily can also help maintain good oral health. We can discuss how water is beneficial for gums and teeth by looking at various properties of drinking water.

Fluoridated water helps improve tooth strength

Fluoridation of drinking water is a common practice undertaken by government bodies in most developed and developing nations. Fluoride is a natural mineral, which in the right amount, strengthens the teeth. Depending upon the area you live, the local government body checks for natural water fluoridation levels and treats the water during filtration to optimize the level of fluoride in it. This is why you get the required amount of fluoride in your local tap water. Water fluoridation is recommended by the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association, which lists it as one of the top 10 most important public health measures of the 20th century. However, it must be pointed out that it is not uncommon to find excess levels of fluoride in certain regions in developing countries, where there is lack of infrastructure and absence of filtration of potable water. In these regions, consumption of drinking water with excess levels of fluoride causes severe bone and teeth defects. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your local water supply authority to find out whether potable drinking water in your locality is optimally fluoridated.

Water helps to wash away left over food and bacteria

Water is nature's mouthwash. The cleansing nature of water helps to wash away any food debris that might be attached to the teeth and soft tissues of the oral cavity. The neutral pH of water is optimal for diluting the acid buildup due to bacterial breakdown of foods and sugars. This protects the enamel of the teeth from getting leached away. Regular sips of water, throughout the day can help keep the bacterial count in the mouth low, resulting in hydrated gums and tissues, and overall fresh breath.

Zero calorie drink

Children and young adults today consume more sugars in the form of fizzy drinks than ever before. Rising consumption in sugary beverages has been a major contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the United States. In fact, people who consume 1 – 2 sugary beverages per day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This can be avoided by substituting fizzy drinks, sugary juices and sports drinks with a glass of water. Water doesn’t have any calories, and it contains no sugar, which makes it incredibly healthy.

By encouraging children to drink adequate amounts of water daily, parents can help to keep dental problems away. This natural elixir is an inexpensive and easy way of maintaining good overall health.

Citation

1. https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

2. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html