Today our Dallas dentists are getting back to basics. There are so many specially formulated mouth rinses and toothpastes available on the market today, and many of them deliver great results. But one of the best things that you can do for your oral health is to use plain old water to refresh your smile throughout the day. Keep reading to learn more!
Water is the absolute healthiest beverage you can drink. Any time that you are able to swap out a sugary or acidic drink for water, you are helping your smile by simply minimizing the amount of sugars and acids to which your teeth and gums are exposed.
It is also important to stay hydrated so that your body is able to produce enough saliva. Saliva is your body’s natural way of neutralizing bacteria, freshening breath, and re-mineralizing dental enamel. Patients who suffer from dry mouth experience increased rates of cavity and gum development. Chronic dry mouth is also associated with halitosis for the same reason.
Another simple habit that you can develop is to rinse your mouth with water after you eat or drink anything other than water. This is a gentle way to refresh your breath and dislodge dental debris and plaque from between your teeth. Additionally, rinsing with water jump-starts saliva production, as, we already learned, adequate saliva levels are paramount when it comes to maintaining oral health.
Making the most of your oral hygiene routine doesn’t have to be about using the latest gadgets or buying specially formulated products. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are effective. If you haven’t been consuming enough water, try tracking how much you drink throughout the day. Set timers for water breaks, or carry a water bottle in order to make it easy to gauge your H2O consumption. As always, our Dallas dentists are here to answer any questions you may have—give us a call!