Scottsdale Oral Health Tip: Wetting Your Whistle is Good for Your Teeth

When your mouth feels as dry as the desert around Phoenix and Scottsdale, you know it’s time to take a sip of water. We all know that water is good for the body and keeps everything running smoothly, but water is also an essential part of oral healthcare in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The Role of Saliva in Oral Health

Saliva may not be the most socially appropriate topic, but the fluid that is produced by glands in your mouth helps with more than just chewing and digesting food. Saliva is made from your blood, and it contains substances that neutralize acids, combat plaque and fend of bacteria. It also contains phosphate, fluoride and calcium to strengthen your teeth. Even more, saliva says a lot about your overall health.

The Water-Saliva Connection

When you have a dry mouth, it means that there is less saliva available to provide a myriad of health benefits. Saliva is 98% water, so if you are not well-hydrated, your body will produce less saliva. Water also helps keep your salivary glands healthy. Dehydration is a known contributing factor to the development of small stones inside the glands that may cause inflammation and blockages inside the glands. Over time, the gland may develop an infection and require surgery to remove the stone.

Overcoming Water Burnout

We know. Drinking water is definitely not the most exciting part of life, so here are some ways that you can still enjoy your favorite beverages while protecting your teeth and gums.

For fruit juices, dilute the beverage to 50% water or drink water with fresh fruit and mint
Replace sodas with carbonated water that contains no sugar
Use a combination of sports drinks and water to stay hydrated
If you do drink fruit juices or sports drinks, swish some water around in your mouth to rinse off the sugar from your teeth
Do not drink sodas, fruit juice or sports drinks before bed