3 Reasons Why Keeping Hydrated Can Improve Your Oral Health

We all know how important it is to keep hydrated and the effects that hydration can have on your overall health and wellness. But, did you know that hydration has a huge impact on your oral health and can even improve it in some circumstances?
Water is not only vital to support regular bodily functions, but it is also important for your smile. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why keeping hydrated can improve your oral health and easy tips for increasing your water intake.
Strengthen Your Teeth
Water contains fluoride, which is one of the most beneficial things which can strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Just by drinking water and increasing your hydration levels, you are increasing your natural fluoride intake, therefore strengthening your enamel and teeth. If you combine this with fluoride toothpaste, then you can almost guarantee that your teeth will be stronger.
Keeps Your Mouth Clean
During the day, with eating and drinking, residue from these will naturally get stuck to your teeth. If left untreated, then the bacteria within your mouth and on your teeth can turn into acid and this can then cause the enamel to wear away on your teeth. Drinking plain water as opposed to sugary juices or fizzy drinks can help to break this residue down and lessen the impact it has on your oral health. If you’re concerned about your oral health, then it is always best to arrange an appointment with your dentist or cosmetic dental clinic, who can take a closer look at any damage caused.
Hydrate Your Mouth
When you are dehydrated, you will likely feel this more in your mouth than anywhere else. There is nothing worse than having a dry mouth and a lack of saliva in your mouth can leave your teeth vulnerable to plaque or tartar build up.
Saliva is mostly made up of water, so drinking plenty will ensure that your mouth is constantly producing enough saliva to keep your teeth and mouth protected. If you have things such as dental implants or Invisalign aligners, then you may notice that your mouth feels drier than usual, which is where drinking water can help alleviate any discomfort.
How To Increase Your Water Intake
Drinking enough water and ensuring you stay hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your health, both overall and oral. But, drinking enough water, regularly enough, can be difficult for a number of reasons.
“Eat” Your Water
If you struggle with actively drinking more water, then it’s worth thinking about “eating” your water instead. There are a number of foods that are water-rich, including lettuce, celery, cucumber, watermelon and strawberries, which can help to boost your water intake and can be easily added to your diet.
Sip Throughout The Day
When you’re looking to increase your water intake, it can feel overwhelming to think about drinking a lot of water all in one go. What is easier is to sip on water throughout the day. Having a sip of water regularly throughout the day will help to keep your mouth from getting dry and keep you hydrated. Keep a glass of water nearby or take a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Infuse Your Water
An easy way to keep hydrated if you’re not a big water drinker is to try infusing your water with fruit. Fruit infused water helps to add flavour and colour, making it easier to drink. Fruits such as strawberries, oranges, lemons, limes and watermelon are all high in flavour, meaning your water will be more flavour-intense. You can also add things such as cucumber or mint for a more refreshing drink.