Importance of Drinking Water Water is unlike any other drink, it is by far the healthiest drink available to us and is the most beneficial for dental health. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps our system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives our skin a healthy glow, and keeps our muscles moving. Drinking water helps our teeth stay healthy, especially if the water provided is fluoridated. Consumption of water recommended (per day): Health professionals often advise us to drink around eight glasses of water per day (that is about 2 liters). This is hugely beneficial to our health for several reasons: *It helps to flush away waste and bacteria *It keeps our skin healthy *It even reduces the chance of getting certain oral cancers Benefits of Drinking Water There are a whole lot of benefits of drinking water on our dental health. Some of them are as follows: *It strengthens our teeth Drinking water with fluoride, which is nature’s cavity fighter, is one of the easiest and most beneficial things we can do to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is a mineral, and in the right amount, fluoride in drinking water strengthens teeth. We can generally get fluoride in our local tap water. Fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay and build healthy communities. *Drinking water promotes full-body health Drinking juices and sodas can wash down our dinner, but they have a negative impact since they are high in sugar and leave it behind on our teeth. By choosing water to replace empty-calorie drinks, we are promoting full-body health. *Water serves as a mouth cleanser Water is a great mouth cleaner because it washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria love to eat. The cavity-causing bacteria in our mouth love to feed on sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer layer of our teeth. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in our mouth. *Drinking water hydrates our gums Our dental health is not just about our teeth. It includes our gums as well. Poor gum health can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss, and it impacts our full-body health. *Water prevents a dry mouth The saliva present in our oral cavity is 99% water. When we are low on saliva, we most likely experience dry mouth. Saliva in our mouth is the first defense against tooth decay. It washes away leftover food, helps us swallow with ease, and keeps our teeth strong by flushing them with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. When our saliva supply runs low, dry mouth may also put us at risk for tooth decay. We can help prevent dry mouth and ensure that our saliva is produced at an optimal rate by drinking enough water. *It is calorie-free Sweetened drinks that are high in sugar and calories create a perfect combination that puts us at risk for cavities and other unhealthy consequences like weight gain. Studies have shown that drinking water can help lose weight. So whenever you need water, drink away guilt-free because this is the only drink that has no side effects. *Drinking water lowers our mouth pH level Most of us probably do not give much thought to the pH level of our oral cavity. A neutral pH level in our mouth is 7.0, but acidic foods and beverages can change that. This can lead to bad bacteria growth and tooth decay. Fluoride, however, protects the tooth enamel against the acids that cause tooth decay. The World Health Organization supports the use of fluorides to prevent lower mouth pH levels.

Dry Mouth Dry mouth, or xerostomia, refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in the mouth do not make enough saliva to keep our mouth wet, thus affecting the overall dental health. Dry mouth is often due to the side effects of certain medications, aging issues, or as a result of radiation therapy for cancer. Less often, dry mouth may be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth, and washing away food particles. Saliva also enhances the ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digestion. Decreased saliva and dry mouth can range from being merely a nuisance to something that has a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food. Symptoms of Dry Mouth If the oral cavity is not producing enough saliva, these signs and symptoms will be seen all or most of the time: *Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in the mouth *Saliva that seems thick and stringy *Bad breath *Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing *Dry or sore throat and hoarseness *Dry or grooved tongue *A changed sense of taste *Problems wearing dentures

Causes of Dry Mouth A dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands in the mouth do not make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. They may not work properly as the result of: *Medications: Hundreds of medications, including many over-the-counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect. Among the more likely types to cause problems are some of the medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and pain medications. *Aging: Many older people experience dry mouth as they age. Contributing factors include the use of certain medications, changes in the body's ability to process medication, inadequate nutrition, and having long-term health problems. *Cancer therapy: Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced. This may be temporary, with normal salivary flow returning after treatment is completed. Radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage salivary glands, causing a marked decrease in saliva production. This may be temporary or permanent, depending on the radiation dose and area treated. *Nerve damage: An injury or surgery that causes nerve damage to the head and neck area can result in dry mouth. Effects of Dry Mouth A dry mouth has many effects on dental health. Some of them are as follows: *Increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease *Mouth sores *Yeast infection in the oral cavity (oral thrush) *Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth or cracked lips *Poor nutrition from having problems with chewing and swallowing