Drinking Water and Your Dental Health: Tips For Healthy Teeth

We have all heard just how important drinking water is for our health, but did you know that it is also crucial for your dental health as well? While you can still enjoy other drinks in moderation, you should never neglect to have a sufficient amount of water every day. 

If you are sipping on some coffee or tea as you read this, then it may be time to reconsider how you consume these beverages, as well as how often you drink them. Everything that you eat and drink passes through your teeth and as a result of this, it can impact your tooth’s enamel. Dental erosion, otherwise known as tooth erosion, occurs when your teeth become worn down by acids. When your teeth become eroded, it results in tooth discoloration, sensitivity, decay, and for severe cases, even tooth loss. 

---

Beverages You Should Avoid to Protect Your Dental Health

As mentioned previously, you can still enjoy your favorite drinks in moderation. But it is still important to consider the effects that certain drinks can have on your dental health. Here are some beverages that you should avoid to protect your dental health over time:

---

Coffee/espresso: Coffee and espresso are staples in millions of households and have become a part of so many peoples’ everyday routines. And while coffee and espresso drinks do make a lot of people happy and productive, the brown color of these drinks can easily cause discoloration to your teeth. Additionally, if you like to enjoy your coffee or espresso with added sugar or sweetener, it can increase your risk of cavities.

Tea: Much like coffee and espresso, certain teas like black teas and other dark blends can also have the same effect of discoloring your teeth. Similar to coffee, if you like to have your tea with added sugar or sweetener, it can also increase your risk of cavities.

Soda: Sodas contain acids and sugars that can increase the risk of cavities exponentially. Because sodas are high in acids and sugar, it can soften your tooth enamel, causing you to be at risk for tooth decay.

Energy and sports drinks: Energy and sports drinks also contain high levels of acid that can result in extensive tooth decay, which oftentimes can be worse than soda. 

Alcohol: Beer, liquor, and other mixed drinks contain a lot of acids and sugars, making individuals who consume a large amount of them more susceptible to enamel damage and periodontal disease. Additionally, drinks like red wine can leave deep stains on your teeth over time.

Why is it Important to Avoid Dental Erosion?

Your dental health really matters and it is important to do what you can now to protect your teeth and your enamel. When your enamel becomes damaged, it can make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. Some signs and symptoms of enamel erosion include:

• Tooth sensitivity: When eating or drinking food and beverages that are particularly hot or cold, it can cause your teeth to feel extra sensitive, resulting in twinges of pain.

• Tooth discoloration: Tooth discoloration is also a sign of enamel erosion. Once your enamel becomes eroded, it causes the dentin to be exposed and your teeth begin to become discolored. 

• Indentation on surface of teeth: Another common sign of dental erosion are identations on the surface of your teeth, otherwise known as cupping.

• Chipped and cracked teeth: When your tooth enamel becomes decayed, it can also make your teeth more susceptible to chips and cracks in your teeth, causing the edges of your teeth to look rough and jagged. 

---

How Can Water Help My Teeth?

Water can be extremely beneficial for your teeth and overall dental health. Here’s why:

It keeps your mouth clean

Did you know that water cleans your mouth with every sip that you take? This is because it washes away any leftover food or bacteria that can cause cavities in your teeth. It can also dilute acids from leftover bacteria in your mouth. However, you must still brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to ensure optimal dental health.

It strengthens your teeth

The United States is one of the few countries that participate in water fluoridation. This means that our water in the U.S. contains fluoride, which prevents tooth decay. This way, you can experience the many benefits of drinking water and fight off tooth decay.

It fights dry mouth

Did you know that people who suffer from dry mouth are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay? This is because your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and acids that are in your mouth. Without adequate saliva, it can cause many risks to your dental health. Therefore, you always want to have a sip of water regularly to ensure that your mouth maintains its moisture.

It keeps you healthy and hydrated

Water is the best way to keep you feeling healthy and hydrated. It doesn’t contain any additives like sugar or acids that can ruin your teeth. Additionally, it helps keep you hydrated and full of energy. There’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a nice glass of water.