You probably already know that drinking plenty of water can be beneficial to your body, but did you know that staying properly hydrated is also essential to maintaining a healthy smile? In fact, a hydrated mouth helps you naturally fight plaque buildup, which is the culprit behind cavities, can lead to gum disease, and many other dental problems. So, if you’re not already drinking water throughout the day, this is a great time to start. Your smile will definitely thank you, and you might just feel a lot better as well!

Why Is Drinking Water So Important?

Your body is naturally 70 percent water, which helps explain just how important it is to proper functioning. Water helps to lubricate the joints and sensitive tissues. It also helps maintain a proper body temperature, and can help you pass food through the intestines. Your kidneys, in particular, benefit from adequate and frequent water consumption during the day. Without adequate water, you can suffer from headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and even irritability.

As for the smile, water helps to prevent plaque’s ability to stick to the teeth, which can, in turn, reduce the likelihood of tartar buildup. This prevents many dental issues, including cavities and gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.

While drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important, when you drink it also matters. Ideally you should drink a glass of water regularly, throughout the day, to help keep the mouth hydrated. Drinking water after meals and snacks can also help rinse food particles from the mouth between brushings, which can help keep the teeth and gums healthy, but can also help prevent staining!