The Healthiest Drink For Your Teeth And Gums
Whether your glass is half-empty or half-full, as your favorite dentist I can say that the question you should ask is, what’s in the glass? When it comes to your health and preserving your beautiful smile, consuming plenty of liquids and keeping yourself hydrated is important. A dry mouth creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to cavities and other oral infections. A dry mouth can also lead to bad breath, gums that bleed easily when you floss or brush, receding gums, and much more.
So, do you know what’s in my glass? Here’s a hint: it’s not kool-aid. It’s not soda. And it’s not juice either. All of these have very high levels of sugar, and drinking them regularly can cause tooth decay. Contrary to what you might have heard, diet drinks are even worse. Regular and ‘diet’ soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and fruit drinks are all bad for the teeth and gums. In addition to sugar and harmful additives, they have high acid levels that can cause tooth erosion, a chalky appearance, tooth sensitivity, and other problems.
Now can you guess what’s in my glass? If you guessed water, let me know at your next visit. You just might qualify for a prize! Water is the absolute best beverage any way you look at it. When water’s in your glass, your glass is always half-full. That’s because I hope the other half will always be in your body.
How much water should you drink per day?
A popular question I get is how much water kids should drink per day. Well, it’s easy. If your kid is under the age of 8, the number of cups to drink per day is equal to their age. A cup is 8 ounces. So, if your kid is 6, they should drink 6 cups. If your kid is 7, drink 7. And so on, with a maximum of 64 ounces of water for children over the age of 8. These amounts do not include other beverages they may consume, or water that is contained in foods such as soups or stews.
Why is water so good for the teeth and gums?
- It has no acid, no sugar, no harmful additives, and no calories.
Tooth decay occurs when sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth and produces acid. Sugar-free drinks are filled with additives and acidity. Sugary drinks obviously contain sugar. Water contains none of the above, so it’s safe and healthy for the teeth and gums. If you can invest in a good water filter, that’s all you need.
- Water keeps your mouth clean.
Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria feed on.
- It keeps you hydrated and fights dry mouth
The best way to quench your thirst is by drinking water. Sugary drinks will actually make you more thirsty. It’s important to stay hydrated, so that saliva is produced in the mouth. Saliva is the mouth’s first defense against tooth decay.
I am Dr. Slepak, your very favorite dentist. Remember to drink plenty of water! Call today to schedule an appointment: 718.998.2424. My office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn NY.