Health care professionals have long professed the health benefits of water. According to WebMD, water:
- Balances bodily fluids
- Controls calorie intake
- Helps energize muscle
- Rehydrates skin
- Cleanses kidneys
- Maintains bowel function
However, in addition, water is beneficial to your oral health as well. It’s all a matter of how much and what type of water you drink.
Determining the Right amount of Water to Drink
Water makes up 60 percent of our body weight. That alone should suggest to you the importance of drinking it on a daily basis. However, there has long been a controversy about how much is the right amount.
Some experts recommend the 8×8 rule: drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. On the other hand, the Institute of Medicine recommends 13 cups (3 liters) a day for men and 9 cups (2.2 liters) for women. Additionally, they don’t limit the intake to water only. To their way of thinking, all liquids apply.
Naturally, the healthier the liquid the better it is for all parts of your body including your teeth. Too many sugary sodas do more damage than good. You’re better off drinking water, milk, broth, and if you must have soda, making it sugar-free.
Bottled Water Leaves Out an Important Ingredient
There is a big difference between tap water and bottled water. While they’re both good for your health, drinking too much bottled water may deprive you of much needed fluoride.
Although there is continuing controversy about whether fluoride in water is truly as beneficial as supporters believe, many municipalities in North America continue to add it to drinking water. The contention is that it helps strengthen teeth and protect against tooth decay.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash offer sufficient protection.
Best Benefit of Drinking Water
Whether you choose to drink fluoridated tap water or the non-fluoridated bottled type, your teeth can benefit either way.
First, a healthy body leads to healthy teeth. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet provides the proper vitamins and nutrients necessary to keep all parts of your body, including teeth and gums, fit.
Next, if you consider all the food and drink you consume during the day, you can imagine the amount of food particles and debris left behind. Rinsing your mouth with water can help remove harmful substances such as sugar and acids. The quicker you remove them the less likely they’ll damage your teeth and gums.
Finally, a dry mouth can cause all types of dental issues. Water helps to wet your whistle and generate saliva. Saliva not only helps to digest food and keep teeth strong, it’s made up mostly of water.
So, next time you want something cool to drink, consider grabbing a glass of water.