Many medical professionals will tell their patients and others that drinking eight glasses of water every day is essential for optimal health. The body is mostly made up of water and requires water for proper organ function. Whether it’s moving blood throughout the body, helping to improve brain function, keeping muscles from cramping, or anything else, not getting enough hydration can cause serious issues for your health.
Drinking water is also tremendously beneficial for oral health. Below are three benefits that drinking more water can have to your oral care and well-being.
Drinking water helps to remove bacteria.
If you don’t drink enough water during the day, if you consume more coffee, soda, or other beverages, it is allowing bacteria to fester within the mouth. This can cause cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. When you drink water more frequently, it allows the bacteria to be removed more effectively.
Drinking bottled water may contain fluoride.
Some bottled water and a lot of city water contains fluoride which is essential for fighting cavities. So even while you’re brushing twice a day, drinking water can also be fighting cavities on a regular basis.
Drinking more water means you’re drinking less of other beverages.
When you drink more water you’re likely drinking less coffee, pop, alcoholic beverages, and other things that can actually cause more harm to your teeth. The body can only take in so much fluid at any given time and even though we’re moving into the summer months and the body will require more hydration, if you’re just consuming more water throughout the day, you’re providing less opportunity to consume other beverages that can be harmful to your teeth and oral health.
Try to maintain a habit of drinking at least eight glasses of water every day. That could be the equivalent to four bottles of water (at 16 ounces per bottle).