Water: Your Secret Weapon Against Gum Disease
Drinking plenty of water is one simple thing you can do every day to maintain good oral health. You can find water almost anywhere, and it doesn’t cost much. In fact, providing the amount of water you need to maintain a healthy mouth is so much simpler than dealing with gum disease. In terms of your overall health and the prevention of gum disease, a supply of fresh, clean water is a true bargain. See your FL periodontist for more great advice for preventing gum disease.
Periodontal Disease and Its Causes
Periodontal disease is commonly called gum disease. Once it establishes itself inside your mouth, it creates chronic inflammation, pain, and bleeding. As it progresses, your gums can recede, leading to tooth loss. There’s no need to be embarrassed, though, when seeking treatment. Nearly 50 percent of American adults have this disease to some extent.
Lack of hydration is a leading cause of gum disease. Sometimes, periodontal disease is a genetic condition that runs in families. Sometimes, it is the result of poor oral hygiene should you fail to brush and floss often enough. Smoking, the use of chewing tobacco, and a poor diet also contribute to the problem.
How Hydration Promotes Periodontal Health
Sufficient water is essential to a healthy flow of saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps maintain gum health in several ways. It keeps your mouth moist and comfortable. It fights bacteria in your mouth and neutralizes the acids that otherwise fuel the fire of gum disease. Saliva helps flush out remaining bits of food from your gums and teeth after a meal, too, so they do not cause tooth decay.
When you supply your body with the liquid it needs to replenish what it loses through elimination, perspiration, and metabolic activity, your mouth and body stay in top form. Optimal saliva production helps wash away the bacteria and acids that otherwise cause gum inflammation and eventually, tooth loss.
Should you become dehydrated due to factors like excessive exercise, low water intake and/or illness, your mouth becomes dry, creating a friendly environment for bacterial infection. You produce less saliva, which normally helps flush impurities like acids and food particles. Your immune system becomes less effective at fighting gum disease.
Train Yourself to Hydrate
Like most dietary changes, hydrating more is a matter of getting used to a new daily routine. Once you become accustomed to drinking more fluids, you will wonder how you ever managed without them. Your height and weight, your lifestyle and the climate are all factors that determine how much water is enough.
In general, though, resources like the Mayo Clinic recommend you drink at least 90 ounces of liquid per day. This amounts to just over 11 cups of liquid. If you are larger than average, exercise often or live in a hot climate, you should drink up to 15.5 cups daily. This can consist of water, herbal infusions, or sugar-free beverages like sparkling water and juicy fruits. Avoid sugary or acidic beverages that encourage gum disease. Keep in mind that as much as 20 percent of your daily liquids come from the foods you eat, like fruits and vegetables.
Try the following tricks for retraining yourself to hydrate:
- Jump-start your day with a cool glass of water first thing.
- Choose a water bottle that expresses your style and bring it with you everywhere.
- Be mindful of the signals your body sends when it needs hydration; drink when you’re thirsty and when your mouth feels dry.
- Set an alarm on your watch or phone reminding you to hydrate.
- Drink a glass of water before you sit down for a meal.
- Accompany each snack with water.
- With your daily hydration goal in mind, set a schedule for water consumption.
As you learn proper hydration, don’t neglect your diet. A balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals and fresh produce is the best complement to adequate hydration. It is not only great for your oral health but for your overall well-being too.
Your FL Periodontist Plays a Key Role in Preventing and Managing Gum Disease
Hydrating, brushing, and flossing are three of the most effective things you can do to keep gum disease at bay. Seeing your periodontist for checkups and advice is also critical. At Dental Specialty Centers of Florida, we can identify early signs of gum disease and offer treatment when it is still in its early stages. By keeping you informed about your oral health as well as managing serious issues like gum disease, we’ll help keep your mouth healthy for life.
Your job is to supply the nutrients, water, and oral hygiene necessary to prevent gum disease. Ours is to evaluate and manage any issues as early as possible. Call Dental Specialty Centers of Florida today to make your next appointment.
