Water which is the most common drink is also the healthiest. Our bodies are made of 60% water and drinking water keeps our cells hydrated. This in turn helps our systems distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives our skin a healthy glow and keeps our muscles moving. Water is not simply great for our body; it also helps our teeth stay healthy. Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest and most beneficial things we can do to help prevent cavities.
Here are 4 reasons why drinking more fluoridated water improves oral health.
Water strengthens our teeth
Drinking water with fluoride, which is “nature’s cavity fighter” is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral and in the right amount, strengthens teeth. Fluoride was first added to the water supply in Australia in the 1950’s. More than 150 major health organisations including the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) support water fluoridation.
Tooth decay causes pain, difficulty eating, and sleeping and contributes to a poor appearance. Over 90% of adults in Australia have experienced decay at some point in their lives. Fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride combats tooth decay in three ways: it helps make teeth more decay-resistant, helps get rid of early decay before it becomes permanent and helps stop bacteria in the mouth produce acids, which leads to tooth decay.
Water washes away the bad stuff!
Water is a great mouth cleaner because it washes away leftover food particles that attract bacteria. These bacteria thrive on sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of our teeth. Drinking juice, soda or sports drinks can wash down the food but they can leave unwanted sugar behind which can be acted on by bacteria to produce acids. Many of these drinks also have added acids (phosphoric, citrus or malic acid) to make them taste less sweet, but those acids also cause trouble by eroding away enamel.
Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. You’ll still need to brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth but drinking water through the day will go a long way toward keeping your smile cavity-free.
Water prevents dry mouth
Dry mouth usually occurs when we are low on saliva. Saliva is 99% water and the lack of saliva makes it hard to swallow and chew. Saliva is our mouth’s first defence against tooth decay because it washes away leftover food, helps us swallow with ease and keeps our teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride. When our saliva runs low, dry mouth may put us at risk for tooth decay. By drinking enough water, we can prevent dry mouth and ensure that our saliva is produced at an optimal rate.
Water does not have calories
Our fast lifestyle and eating on the go with sugary beverages have been a major contributor to the increasing rate of obesity and poor health. It is found out that people who consume 1 – 2 sugary beverages per day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Water is a perfect substitute over colas, sugary juices, and sports drinks. Water does not have any calories, and it contains no sugar, which makes it incredibly healthy.
Studies have also shown that drinking water can help us lose weight. So, grab a bottle of water guilt-free and take care of your body and your smile.
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