Now that summer is here, most of us are spending a lot more time outdoors enjoying our favorite outside activities. Whether it’s working in your garden, exercising, or playing sports, summer provides ample opportunity to get outside for a little fresh air and sunshine. Most of us know how important it is to stay hydrated during the warm summer months, when we normally spend so much more time outside. But did you know that staying hydrated is also vital to maintain good oral health? Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to drink plenty of water during the upcoming summer months:
- Preventing dry mouth – One of the first signs of dehydration is feeling thirsty, which also includes having a dry mouth. In fact, many doctors would tell you that you should hydrate by drinking water before you actually feel thirsty, and that feeling thirsty is a sign that you are already dehydrated. But being thirsty and experiencing dry mouth also means that you aren’t producing enough saliva inside your mouth. Saliva is necessary for good oral health. Not only does it wash away leftover food particles, it also helps to balance pH levels inside our mouths. When you don’t produce enough saliva, you are at greater risk of developing tooth decay. So avoid dry mouth – not to mention overall dehydration – by drinking water on a regular basis.
- Cleaning teeth and gums – Drinking water helps to wash away leftover food residue from our teeth and gums. You may not have the opportunity to brush and floss after every meal or snack, but you can do the next best thing by drinking water afterward. Water also helps to dilute the acids that are present inside the mouth, and that helps to lower your risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fighting cavities – Most municipal drinking water contains fluoride. There’s a good reason for that: fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to fight cavities. So drinking water regularly throughout the summer months lowers your chances of developing tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, try to select one that contains fluoride.
Staying hydrated during the summer months is important not only for our overall health, but for our oral health as well. Just make sure to avoid juices, energy drinks or sodas, all of which can contain sugar and acid that can wreak havoc with teeth and gums. Instead, choose the original hydrating fluid – water!
