Does Drinking More Water Protect Your Teeth? | PerioSciences Published 31/10/2023 Last Reviewed 28/03/2024 Written by: Russell Moon Reviewed by: Dr. Sam Low Water is often touted as one of life's essential elements, and its significance extends to our oral health. In this blog post, we'll explore how drinking water, particularly fluoridated water, may contribute to maintaining your oral health. Let's delve into the ways in which water can be a valuable addition to your oral care routine. The Role of Water in Oral Health Does drinking water help your teeth? Let's explore some ways in which it may be beneficial: 1. Fluoridated Water and Tooth Strength Many tap water sources contain fluoride, a mineral known for its potential to strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride helps to fortify enamel and may even have the ability to reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Drinking fluoridated water can provide your teeth with this essential mineral, contributing to their strength and resistance to decay. 2. Dry Mouth and Oral Health Adequate saliva production is crucial for maintaining oral health. Saliva helps rinse away food particles, neutralize acids, and combat cavity-causing bacteria. When you're dehydrated or suffer from dry mouth, your saliva production decreases, which can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of tooth decay. Drinking water can help keep your body hydrated and hydration is necessary to produce saliva. 3. Rinsing Away Food Particles After a meal, drinking a glass of water can help wash away leftover food particles that might otherwise provide sustenance to harmful bacteria in your mouth. It's a simple and natural way to cleanse your teeth and gums. 4. Diluting Acids Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can erode tooth enamel. Drinking water, especially after consuming such items, can help dilute these acids, reducing their potential harm to your teeth. Is Water Good for Your Gums? Yes, staying well-hydrated is beneficial not only for your teeth but also for your gums. Hydration helps keep your gums moist and healthy, and hydration is needed for saliva which can help reduce the risk of irritation and gum problems. Does Water Wash Away Bacteria in Teeth? While water can help rinse away some food particles and bacteria from your teeth, it's not a substitute for regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. These practices are essential for effectively removing plaque and bacteria. Can Water Whiten Teeth? Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, can help maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth by potentially preventing tooth decay and enamel erosion. However, if you're looking for teeth whitening, professional dental treatments or over-the-counter whitening products may be more effective. Conclusion Incorporating more water into your daily routine, especially fluoridated water where available, can be a simple but effective step toward maintaining your oral health. It may help strengthen tooth enamel, rinse away food particles and acids, and support gum health. A well-hydrated mouth is often a healthier mouth.For a comprehensive approach to oral health, explore PerioSciences' Hydrating Products, Fresh Breath Products, and Gum Health Products. Additionally, learn more about foods that are beneficial for your teeth in our blog post here and discover how dry mouth can impact your oral health here. So, remember to stay hydrated and keep your smile healthy and bright! Share Share Link Copy link Link copied to clipboard! Back to blog