Water is one of the most foundational of life’s building blocks. An untold number of bodily processes use water in some way. In fact, humans are 60% water!

However, you may not realize just how important water is for your teeth as well. Drinking enough water helps ensure your mouth stays healthy and your smile stays bright — and here’s how.

1. Keeps Mouth and Teeth Clean

Most obviously, water helps clean out your mouth. When you drink water, the liquid washes away debris and germs trapped in between your teeth and in other areas of your mouth.

This not only keeps your teeth healthy… but shiny and bright. Water can help wash away stains on your teeth from substances like coffee and tea, leaving behind a brighter, whiter smile.

2. Fights Dry Mouth

Saliva, like water, plays a role in getting rid of bacteria. It’s like the mouth’s built-in cleaning system.

Dry mouth — known medically as xerostomia — happens when the mouth lacks enough moisture. Without enough moisture, your body can’t produce the saliva needed to wash away bacteria buildup. As a result, dry mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Additionally, some minerals found in your saliva can help remineralize your enamel, or, in other words, strengthen and restore it.

In any case, drinking water helps you create the saliva your mouth needs to stay healthy.

3. Fluoridated Water Strengthens Tooth Enamel

Drinking water itself contains minerals that help to strengthen and restore your tooth enamel. Additionally, fluoridate water contributes to the remineralization process. 

That said, not all water has the fluoride and minerals needed. If you drink filtered or bottled water, you might be missing out on certain minerals helpful for your teeth.

If the water you drink is distilled or undergoes reverse osmosis, you may not get any minerals or fluoride at all. 

However, you don’t have to give up these sources of water if you don’t want to. You can ask your dentist about fluoride treatments to make sure you get the mineralization you need while enjoying your favorite kind of water.

In addition to drinking adequate amounts of water, you should visit your dentist regularly. Once every six months works for most. If you need to schedule your next dentist appointment in Philadelphia soon, reach out to Absolute Smile today. All new patients get a free consultation!