Are you a glass-half-empty or a glass-half-full type of person? Well, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s a glass of water. Water is by far the healthiest drink for people to consume. Staying hydrated helps your system distribute nutrients and remove waste, and it gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Sipping water also does wonders for your teeth, especially when it’s fluoridated.

Benefits

The three main benefits of drinking water to promote your oral health are:

• Strengthening your tooth enamel. Drinking water with fluoride can help prevent cavities. 
• Keeping your mouth clean. Water washes away leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Preventing dry mouth. Drinking water promotes saliva production and ensures your mouth remains damp at all times. 

Besides aiding your oral health, water has other important functions for the body, like:

• Carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
• Flushing bacteria from your bladder
• Aiding digestion
• Preventing constipation
• Normalizing blood pressure
• Cushioning joints
• Protecting organs and tissues
• Regulating body temperature
• Maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.

Tips On Staying Hydrated

On average, women should drink about 11.5 cups a day, while men should be drinking 15.5 cups daily, according to Mayo Clinic. If you’re looking for ways to up your water game, here are some tips to follow:

• Flavour your water. Add some fruit to your water, such as limes, lemons and oranges, to make it more delicious. Be careful not to overdo it with citrus fruits as they can contribute to enamel erosion if consumed on a daily basis.
• Tie it to a routine. Drink a glass of water every time you brush your teeth, eat a meal or enter the kitchen.
• Eat it. Many fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumber have high water content. 
• Take your water to go. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and drink it whenever you get thirsty outside your home. 
• Monitor your water intake. Invest in a smart water bottle that connects to your phone and records how much you drink.

Drinking lots of water throughout the day is a fundamental part of any healthy oral care routine. Another important activity to ensure your oral health remains in check is visiting your dentist for frequent checkups and dental cleanings. At Dental Image Therapy Centres, we’re ready to help with all your dental needs when you book an appointment with us online or visit us at our Winnipeg dental clinics at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre.