Hydration & your mouth: oral health benefits of water

Drinking water every day keeps your brain functions strong, headaches at bay, and can even help you lose weight. However, water also has many benefits for your mouth.

Choosing water over sugary beverages is one of the best ways to care for your oral health. It’s time to put down the soda and learn more about the oral health benefits of water.

Water cleans your mouth

Sipping on water throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to keep your mouth clean.

Although drinks like soda and juice may leave your teeth feeling clean, the reality is sugar particles are left behind. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth break down these sugar particles and produce acids that lead to tooth decay. Other chemicals found in sugary drinks, such as phosphoric, citric, or malic acids, can also eat away at your teeth’s enamel, and increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Like saliva, water cleans your teeth and helps to wash away food debris, unwanted sugar, and acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. Nothing replaces a consistent brushing routine when it comes to clean teeth but sipping on water is a great addition to your oral health regimen!

Water supports saliva production

Saliva, the clear liquid that is formed in your mouth, is important to your oral health because it plays many roles when it comes to the health of your mouth. It helps start the digestion process by lubricating food, helps wash away food debris, and can slow the growth of unwanted bacteria, to name a few.

When there is not enough saliva being produced, it can lead to xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth. Dry mouth is a serious oral health condition that can cause the tongue, gums, and other tissues to become painful and swollen. It also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

One of the best ways to prevent dry mouth is to sip on water throughout the day. Glands in your mouth need enough fluid in the body to make saliva. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to increase saliva production and benefit your oral health.

Water is the best choice when it comes to supporting oral health

Choosing a refreshing glass of water is always the best choice when it comes to your oral health. Whether it is keeping your mouth clean or your teeth strong, it seems water can do it all.

*Updated May 2023