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Why Hydration Is Important For Your Oral Health, Dentist Explains

Hydration is essential for overall health, especially for your oral health. Adequate hydration can help prevent a range of oral health issues, including dry mouth, bad breath, and cavities. In this article, Dr Nihal Yadav, BDS, Amayra Dental Clinic, Kaushik Enclave, Burari, Delhi and Former Resident, Deen Dayal Hospital, Hari Nagar, Delhi, explains the importance of hydration for oral health.

Importance of Hydration for Oral Health

Water is the healthiest drink you can have to stay hydrated, essential for various bodily functions, like muscle and brain activity. Not only this, but it also helps to keep your oral cavity healthy. Here is how it happens.

Increases Salivation

Saliva is essential for oral health as it helps wash away food particles and neutralise harmful acids that can cause cavities. Saliva also contains minerals that help to protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.

When you are dehydrated, your body generates less saliva, which can cause dry mouth, a condition in which there is insufficient saliva in your mouth. This can cause bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dry mouth is also a common side effect of certain medications, including those used to treat allergies, high blood pressure, and depression.

By drinking water you avoid dehydration and make sure that saliva is made at an optimum rate, thereby preventing a dry mouth.

Prevent Bad Breath

Staying hydrated can also help prevent bad breath. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles and produce foul-smelling gases. When you drink water, you help flush away these bacteria and reduce the likelihood of bad breath.

Prevents Gum Disease

When you are not hydrated, your gums may become dry and swell. In extreme cases, they can leave their position and recede away, creating small pockets, and collecting plaque. This leads to gum diseases, like periodontitis. You can prevent this by drinking the best drink you have, i.e. water.

Promotes Healing

In addition to preventing oral health issues, hydration can also help promote healing in the mouth. If you have had oral surgery or a dental procedure, staying hydrated can help speed up the healing process by promoting blood flow to the affected area.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

The amount of water you should drink daily depends on several factors, including your age, weight, and activity level. However, a general guideline is to drink at least eight-ounce glasses of water per day. This is known as the 8x8 rule, a good starting point for people.

You may need to drink more water to stay hydrated if you are physically active or live in a hot region. You can also get hydration from other sources, such as fruits and vegetables, and soups. Water is the best choice as it is calorie-free and does not contain added sugars that can be harmful not only to your oral health but also to diabetes people.

(05/05/2023)
by Varun Verma

More Information: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/importance-of-hydration-for-oral-health-1682669026

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