The importance of drinking water
We’re often reminded of the importance of staying hydrated but it’s easy to forget when we’re overwhelmed with the busyness of day to day life. Most people are aware of how important it is for our general health but perhaps you haven’t considered how important it is to our oral health too.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of water for your teeth as well as some practical tips to stay hydrated while you’re busy with life!
‘In Australia, a huge 80% of adults suffer from chronic dehydration, drinking only 1.29L of water on average.’
There are many negative effects on your oral health including:
Dry mouth putting you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Dietary acids sitting on the teeth, breaking down tooth structure
Less exposure to fluoride and less protection from tooth decay
Bad breath
Staying hydrated leads to much better oral health outcomes including:
Buffering mouth acids as water is pH neutral.
Prevents dry mouth, protecting against staining, tooth decay and gum disease.
Strengthening your teeth and protecting against tooth decay if the water is fluoridated.
From an oral health perspective, you can never drink too much water and there is no substitute for water in your diet. Drinks such as juice and carbonated water are highly acidic. Cordial or flavoured milk is high in sugar and soft drink is very high in both! Tea and coffee can stain your teeth and caffeine will dry your mouth out. Even milk contains natural sugars which could lead to tooth decay if consumed frequently.
‘Patients with xerostomia (dry mouth) are at higher risk for developing caries because of a loss of saliva and its benefits.’
There is currently no standard for how much water you should drink per day as this is based on your age, weight, activity and climate. While some may require 5 litres to stay hydrated others may only require half as much. So instead of forcing everyone to meet the same target, here are some helpful tips to help you stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth:
Set your own goals, have a water bottle with you and try to empty it throughout the day.
Unlike other drinks, water is something you can sip on throughout the day, drinking every chance you get will prevent a dry mouth.
Plain water should be the drink you’re having most of, and most frequently.
If you’re outside and active, make sure you take water with you, especially if it’s hot and dry.
Rinse with water after drinking or eating something sugary or acidic.
Caffeine, smoking and some medications can dry your mouth out so make sure to drink plenty of water in these instances.