Water is an Essential Part of Orthodontic Treatment

Undergoing orthodontic treatment is a huge commitment. You invest money and time into achieving a beautiful smile, so you want to make sure that you don’t do anything that will compromise it. There are some little things you may be doing that will undermine your orthodontic treatment. Drinking sugary beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, and juice can damage your teeth quickly because they coat your teeth in sugar. Oral bacteria thrive off sugar, and they create acids that damage the teeth, causing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Water must be your drink of choice when undergoing orthodontic treatment. There are many benefits to the entire body from drinking water, but below you will learn how water directly impacts your smile.

• Water strengthens your teeth. In 1951, the U.S. Public Health Service implemented water fluoridation in city and suburb water systems to help prevent tooth decay. At the time, many Americans could not afford or did not have access to dental care, and people across the nation were suffering from tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. By drinking water, you are easily supplying your mouth with fluoride to protect your smile.
• Water naturally cleans your mouth. While there is no substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth every day, water helps keep your mouth clean throughout the day. There are millions of oral bacteria inside your mouth at all times. These bacteria produce acids that will eat away at the tooth enamel if they are not rinsed away regularly. By drinking water, you are cleaning your teeth with very every sip. Water washes away food particles, residues, and oral bacteria, so drinking water is an easy way to clean your mouth.
• Water keeps your mouth moist. Saliva production is probably the most undervalued component of oral health. Yet, saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay and gum disease. A dry mouth provides the perfect atmosphere for oral bacteria to adhere to the teeth. If you have ever felt the white fuzzy substance on your teeth at the end of the day, then you have encountered plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is the accumulation of oral bacteria and a sticky coating that allows it to attach to your teeth. If you are not continually washing the mouth with water, your mouth is dry, and bacteria are adhering to the teeth. A moist mouth prevents bacteria-laden plaque from wreaking havoc on your mouth.

At Broad Street Braces, we consider ourselves partners in helping you achieve a beautiful smile. While we have the knowledge to maneuver your teeth, you need to do your part in your orthodontic treatment. By simply drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, you can keep your teeth healthy while you achieve the smile of your dreams.