March 22 marks World Water Day, celebrated by the United Nations every year since 1993. To mark the occasion, the HELVIDENT team is highlighting the benefits of water for oral health. Indeed, your general well-being depends on the health of your mouth. Good hydration and oral hygiene are the keys to staying in good condition.
Water, a vital element for human health
Did you know that 65 % of the human body is made up of water? In fact, water is the main constituent of the human body. As the average amount of water contained in an adult organism is 65 %, this corresponds to approximately 45 liters of water for a person weighing 70 kilograms.
Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning normally. In fact, water helps distribute nutrients throughout the body, eliminates toxins, keeps your skin in good condition, and contributes to muscle movement.
Why is water important for your oral health?
Water works in many different ways to contribute to the health of your mouth. It's the primary source of hydration that you should use for your health as well as for the pleasure of drinking.
Water keeps your mouth clean
Drinking water regularly helps maintain a healthy good oral hygiene. This removes food residues and reduces mouth acidity, which is the first step in the development of plaque and cavities. Indeed, keeping your mouth clean is important to prevent the build-up of bacteria. The best drink to have is, without doubt, water.
Drinking sugary or acidic beverages (such as juices or sodas) contributes to the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, and also affects tooth enamel. Many drinks leave behind an unwanted substance in the mouth that can contribute to the formation of cavities. Water contains no sugar. And when consumed as a mouthwash, it leaves no residue behind for bacteria. Water also dilutes acids and other substances left behind after meals, between teeth and on gums.
Water keeps your mouth hydrated
The benefits of water also extend to oral hydration. When you drink water, you also stimulate the production of saliva, which plays a vital role in combating bacteria in the oral cavity. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food and neutralize the acidity produced by bacteria.
A dry mouth is a problem, as it creates the perfect environment for the development of cavities. The calcium and phosphate contained in saliva help prevent tooth decay.
Water helps fight certain diseases
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Drinking water regularly can help prevent these diseases by removing the plaque responsible for their appearance.
A few preventive tips for good oral health
It's also important to brush regularly with water and toothpaste to remove bacteria from the mouth. Electric toothbrushes can be particularly effective in removing food scraps and plaque. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after every meal can also help prevent cavities by stimulating the saliva production. Finally, it's important to limit sugar consumption, as sugars are a source of energy for bacteria in the mouth and contribute to their development. You should also avoid acidic foods, which can damage tooth enamel.
What are the symptoms? dehydration?
The human body uses fluids to perform its functions properly. When these fluids are not replaced, the person can suffer from dehydration. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to this problem, although it can affect anyone.
Hot temperatures and excessive exercise can trigger dehydration if the person does not consume enough water. Moderate dehydration can be treated quickly by drinking water. On the other hand, a more severe stage of dehydration often requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of dehydration may include extreme thirst, dry eyes, dizziness, dark urine and confusion.
All in all, the benefits of water are numerous. Drinking water regularly is a key element in maintaining good oral health. Combined with good dental hygiene, a balanced diet and the use of oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, you can avoid periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth decay. cavities and guarantee fresh breath at all times.
