Drinking lots of water is extremely beneficial to your overall health, but one of the most overlooked benefits is improved oral health. Staying hydrated prevents you from having a dry mouth, which is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Drinking water also cleans the mouth and keeps it from being exposed to unnecessary sugars. Despite there being so many health benefits, most people still do not drink enough water daily. Here are four of the easiest ways to increase water intake.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
A great way to consume more water is to always have access to the important beverage. This is why it is highly recommended to carry a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go. Carrying the bottle will remind you to drink when your mouth starts to get a little dry. This bottle can also be refilled almost anywhere when it starts to get a little low. Keeping the bottle full eliminates the temptation of grabbing a soda or cup of coffee when you want a quick drink.
Add Flavoring to Water
A lot of people do not like to drink water because it does not have any flavor. Luckily, this small issue is extremely easy to fix. There are several different types of zero-calorie flavor packets that can be mixed directly into your water. These packets come in virtually every flavor, so there is guaranteed to be one that you enjoy. You can also just add a small piece of fruit directly to your water to improve the taste. Citrus fruits tend to work best for this option.
Use a Tracking App
To stay properly hydrated, you need to drink water before you start to feel thirsty. Unfortunately, it is often hard to think about drinking throughout a busy workday. This is where your smartphone comes in handy. Several different health apps will send a reminder to your phone periodically throughout the day to remind you to drink water. Since these reminders make it impossible to forget about drinking, this is one of the easiest ways to increase water intake.
Eat Foods Filled With Water
While the vast majority of your water intake will come from actual drinking, you can also add water to your body by eating the right foods. Several foods are filled with water. Eating these foods regularly is a great way to supplement your water consumption. A few of these important water-rich foods include soup, celery, watermelon, and tomatoes.
If you have any questions regarding water’s importance in maintaining a beautiful smile, then do not hesitate to call Mountain View Dental. In addition to answering your questions, we also look forward to handling all of your dental needs in our comfortable and professional office.
