Staying hydrated can help you maintain your appearance, your energy levels during exercise, and your physical health. When people think about the benefits of water, they often dwell on these advantages of good hydration, but they may not think about their oral health. When you are not doing a good job drinking enough fluids, your body can react by limiting your production of saliva. This can result in extended periods of dry mouth, which can interfere with your natural ability to contend with the negative effects of oral bacteria. During a routine dental exam, your Richfield, MN dentist’s office can help you improve on your ability to prevent oral health issues by talking about the importance of hydration, as well as other matters you should know about.
How Does Dry Mouth Affect Your Cavity Risk?
Why is dry mouth a problem for your smile? In the short term, it can be a problem because it causes you discomfort. A lack of saliva can also make it more difficult to break down food while you are chewing, and you can have a more difficult time preventing food debris from sticking to teeth. Saliva also has a role to play in protecting your smile because you rely on it to naturally fight bacteria buildup in your mouth.
Choosing Water Over Other Beverages
One straightforward solution to dehydration is to simply drink more water. Simply adding more water to your daily routine is helpful, but you may want to take this further by also replacing your consumption of other beverages with water. When you cut back on sodas and juices, you can have an easier time avoiding cavities by cutting sugars, and you can reduce your exposure to products that may stain your teeth.
Identifying Other Issues That Affect Your Risk For Dental Trouble
When oral health problems develop and are not addressed, they can make you more vulnerable to additional issues. One issue in particular that should worry you is tooth loss. Losing just one tooth can affect your bite function, put you at risk for more losses, and cause more wear and tear on teeth. You should also watch out for problems with gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated in time, the issue can worsen, and that can lead to tissue damage, tooth loss, and general health issues.
Our Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Can Help You Protect Your Smile!
Your Richfield, MN dentist’s office has experience helping patients recover from active oral health issues. We can also take the time to work with you on improving your current routine so that you are not vulnerable to further issues with your teeth and gums. If you wish to learn more about our practice and our services, please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
