For most of us, we know that drinking water regularly is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Water helps to transport nutrients in our bodies and regulate body temperature, and more importantly, our oral health would be at risk without it. Capital Dental Clinic highly recommends making water your child’s first choice as well. Alternatives like sugary, acidic drinks can be very damaging to the overall health of your teeth and general health. The same can’t be said about water as it has boundless benefits.

1. Water is known to strengthen teeth. In most neighbourhoods in North America, tap water contains a naturally-occurring mineral called Fluoride. Fluoride (although this is a debated subject) has been shown to prevent tooth decay and reduce the chances of cavities by over 50%. Some pundits say ‘‘fluoride’’ is nature’s “cavity fighter”. Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest things your child can do to maintain oral health. Fluoride toothpaste can also be a great add on for your child as well.

Although there is controversy about fluoridation, several international health organizations including World Health Organization and The Centre for Disease Control support fluoridated water.

 2. Water helps keep your mouth clean. Over the course of a day, food particles and natural bacteria can coat the teeth. If this debris is not removed soon after eating, it can lead to tooth decay and cavities (we recommend brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day). Fortunately, drinking water regularly helps to wash damaging particles off your child’s teeth and displace bacteria. It’s an easy way to for your child to quickly clean their teeth between brushing.

3. Water creates saliva. Saliva is the body’s way of defending the mouth from tooth decay. It helps to balance the Ph level of the mouth by washing away food, allows you to swallow with ease and provides teeth with strengthening calcium. The proteins and minerals in Saliva even counteract enamel-damaging acids. Saliva is also made of 95% water, meaning your child must consume a significant amount of water in order to produce it. When your child is well hydrated, saliva can get to work!

4. Finally, water is extremely healthy. Our body needs it to function, and no juice or soda is as pure as water. It has no calories and no sugar!

Above are only a few of the ways drinking water can benefit your child’s oral health. Make sure your child gets a good daily dose of water and it should lead to a healthier mouth.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s article ☺

The Capital Dental Team