High Quality H2O
Whether you’re drinking from a glass that is half-empty or half-full, drinking a glass of water is always beneficial to your health. Human beings are 50-65% water; so staying hydrated throughout the day, especially during the summer months, is crucial for the hydration of tissue, the distribution of nutrients, and the removal of waste from your body. And, did you know? Drinking water is not only beneficial to your overall health, but your dental health as well! Please Note: Infants under 6 months of age should not be given water, speak to your pediatrician about the appropriate age for your child to start drinking water.
Here are four reasons why water is the best beverage for your child’s (and your!) teeth:
1. Water helps to keep the mouth clean.
Water cleans your mouth with every gulp and swish! As your drink, water can wash away some of the leftover food and possibly even a portion of the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. So while drinking water is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can help to keep your body and your smile healthy (and perhaps cavity-free).
2. Water (with fluoride) strengthens your teeth.
Drinking water with fluoride, aka “nature’s cavity fighter”, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to fight cavities. While almost all water contains naturally-occurring fluoride, the community water systems that serve most American households adjust the level, usually by adding fluoride to achieve the right amount to reduce tooth decay. Health organizations, like the American Dental Association (ADA), say this is one of the major reasons most people no longer need the dentures that were so common before widespread fluoridation, and studies have shown that it is why dental costs are lower and oral health problems have declined in fluoridated communities!
3. Drinking water fights dry mouth.
Saliva, which is made mostly of water, is the human mouth’s first defense against cavities. Saliva helps wash away residual food and coats your teeth in calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. When your mouth doesn’t have enough water, it may struggle to make saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay. When your mouth is feeling dry, drink a glass of water to quench your thirst, and strengthen your teeth!
4. Water is free of calories.
Drinking sugary beverages can create a cavity-prone environment within your mouth, and can lead to weight gain. Studies show that drinking water instead of juice or soda is the best way to go, for the health of your teeth, mouth and body as a whole.
If you have questions regarding water consumption or your overall dental health, don’t hesitate to call Great Grins Children's Dental Specialists at Louisville Office Phone Number 502-231-1418 today!