Dentist on How Water Improves Oral Health and Overall Health

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, people have been self-isolating to avoid being exposed to the virus and trying to stay as healthy as possible. That includes oral health as well, since no one wants to see a dentist in Sugar Land for painful dental problems right now. But there’s one surprising thing you can do that you may not have thought about: drink plenty of water! Keep reading to learn how this simple strategy can improve your oral health and overall well-being at the same time. 

Staying Hydrated Improves Your General Health, Especially When You’re Sick  

Most people are familiar with the guideline to drink 8 cups of water each day to stay hydrated. This benefits your body in countless ways, including keeping your skin healthy, lubricating your joints, flushing out waste via the kidneys, and maintaining your blood pressure. 

And when you’re trying to fight off any type of bacteria or virus (including COVID-19) staying hydrated is extra important. It greatly benefits your lungs and airway because it lessens congestion, loosens mucous, and makes coughing easier and more productive. 

Water Washes Away Cavity-Causing Sugar, Plaque, and Bacteria

After each meal, snack, or sugary beverage, a thin layer of food particles remains on your teeth. As the naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth consume that food (especially when it contains sugar or carbohydrates), they produce acid that wears away at your enamel and leads to cavities. 

Sipping on water throughout the day is a fantastic way to wash away residual sugars and food particles before they cause tooth decay.  

(Tap) Water Contains Fluoride To Prevent Cavities

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that prevents cavities by hardening the outer layer of teeth called enamel. While one great way to get the benefits of fluoride is a professional treatment from your dentist, it’s also in most of the municipal water supplies in the U.S. (but not in bottled water). That means that every time you sip on tap water, you’re automatically getting the protective benefit of fluoride. And that can save you a lot of time and money in the dental chair.

The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult on every level, and many of us are worried about getting sick. But one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to stay healthy in self-isolation is also the simplest: drink more water!

About the Author 

Dr. Cindy Hua is a family dentist in Sugar Land who takes a holistic approach to oral and overall well-being. She’s open for emergency care during the COVID-19 crisis and is dedicated to helping her patients maintain their smiles and general health right now. If you’d like to know more about your oral health or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.