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Drink Water to Protect Your Teeth

Michael Wahl • Feb 19, 2020

Water. It is Earth’s most precious and abundant resource. Our bodies are literally made of up to 60% water. Water replenishes our organs, revitalizes our skin, and helps keep us healthy. But did you know water also protects our teeth? Read on to find out how it helps fight cavities and rebuild our teeth!

Rebuilds Teeth

Most city supplied drinking water is bolstered with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that naturally fights cavities by rebuilding the enamel that protects your teeth! While some people express concerns about fluoridation of water, drinking water with fluoride has been shown to be safe. Additionally, cities with fluoridated water show significant decreases in tooth decay among school-aged children. Drinking fluoridated water is recommended by the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dental Association, and the CDC. In fact, the CDC states, “the prevention of tooth decay through community water fluoridation is recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great achievements in public health of the 20th century.”

Washes Away Bacteria

This one is almost too obvious to state, but when you drink plenty of water, you wash away food debris and bacteria that grow in your mouth. As you eat, food particles are left behind. Bacteria feed off these particles, and create an acid as they consume the food. The acid left behind wears down your enamel and causes decay in your teeth. Besides brushing and flossing regularly, drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to ward off tooth decay.

Combats Bad Breath

That bacteria we mentioned above? It doesn’t smell so hot. As bacteria overgrowth happens, you will start to notice that it effects your breath. That’s why brushing your teeth can help get rid of mouth funk- it helps remove that stinky bacteria that have built up in your mouth!

Replenishes Saliva

Saliva is incredible. It plays so many important roles in good oral health, which you can read more about here. Saliva is made up of 99% water! The other 1% is important nutrients and minerals that help clean and rebuild your teeth, but they can’t get around your mouth without enough water to carry them. When you drink enough water your body naturally produces plenty of saliva to help nourish your teeth and rinse away bacteria and food particles. Dry mouth can lead to more cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.

Calorie and Sugar-Free!

Some of the goals above could be accomplished by many liquid refreshments. However, water has the huge benefit of being calorie and sugar free! That means all the benefit without leaving behind harmful sugars on your teeth (or extra weight on your hips!) Additionally, drinking sugary drinks can increase your risk of developing diabetes by 26% ! Diabetics struggle with gum disease and infections in their mouths, so that’s yet another way that water is a smart choice when you need a drink!

 

If in doubt, reach for a tall glass of good ‘ol water. The crisp fresh taste will bring a smile to your face, and that habit will help keep your smile bright for years to come!

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • 01 Sep, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • 25 Aug, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • 18 Aug, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • 11 Aug, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • 28 Jul, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • 21 Jul, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • 14 Jul, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • 07 Jul, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • 01 Jul, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • 23 Jun, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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