Many of us make an effort to keep our teeth and gums healthy, including regular visits to our Fallbrook dentist. With regular brushing and flossing, along with dental cleanings twice a year, you might think that your dental health is assured. However, the type of water you drink and use to brush your teeth can play a part in your dental health. Here is what you need to know about how your water can affect your dental health.
Water is the Best Beverage for Your Teeth
There are many benefits for your teeth and gums to drinking water regularly. First, our bodies are made of 60% water, which means that staying hydrated is key to distributing nutrients, giving your skin a healthy glow, and also keeping your muscles functioning. For your teeth, that water is also a good way to protect them, as your Fallbrook dentist can attest.
First, drinking water means that you are not exposing your teeth to extra sugar, which can negatively impact your enamel and expose your teeth and gums to potential bacteria. Secondly, if you are drinking water with fluoride in it, then you are giving your teeth a wash with fluoride, known as nature’s cavity fighter. Studies have shown that when cities stop adding fluoride into your water, children with the non-fluoride water had more tooth decay.
Water also is a natural mouthwash, helping your body to clean away leftover food and bacteria. Other drinks can have extra sugar or acids that end up damaging your teeth. Water can dilute those sugars and acids. While it does not replace the important step of brushing your teeth, water can play a vital role in your dental health.
Is Sparkling Water Beneficial?
If you want to drink more water but enjoy a little fizz, you might be thinking that the best choice is to pick up some sparkling water. However, sparkling water gets its fizz from carbon dioxide. During a chemical reaction in your mouth, that carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid. That acid can end up wearing away your tooth enamel and making you more susceptible to tooth decay.
While sparkling water can be okay for your teeth in moderation, the more you reach for it, the increased likelihood that you can end up with damage. Adding lime or lemon to your sparkling water can increase the amount of acid that you are exposing your teeth to. That being said, your Fallbrook dentist would probably agree that your fizzy water has less sugar than soda.
Mineral water can also be a great way to offset any potential damage from your sparkling water, since it contains calcium phosphate.
There are plenty of ways that drinking water can positively impact your teeth, gums, and overall health. However, not every water has the same beneficial effects. Still, if you are looking for a drink that can benefit your teeth, your Fallbrook dentist will tell you that nothing beats regular water.
If you are experiencing sensitivity to cold water on your teeth, contact your Fallbrook dentist today for an appointment to address any potential tooth erosion occurring in your mouth today.
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.