It’s a given – during the hot summer months, you’ve got to stay hydrated. Even in Western New York, toasty temps occasionally stick with us into the month of September!
Drinking plenty of water is doubly important when you undergo orthodontic treatment. Grab a bottle or fill up a glass and get comfy as we break down why!
A moist mouth is a healthy mouth!
While NOT intended to replace brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, water helps keep your mouth clean throughout the day – rinsing away excess food particles, residues and germs. This is essential when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment – as “stuff” can stick to traditional brace and bracket appliances, and well in Invisalign aligners.
Drinking water also helps the mouth’s natural production of saliva, a crucial component of oral health. Saliva’s lubrication of the mouth helps you chew, swallow, and taste, as well as combating germs and bad breath.
Xerostomia: A fancy term for…
Dry mouth! In some (but not every) ortho patients, the mouth’s adjustment to braces can cause a decrease in saliva production. This makes one’s mouth feel dry or sticky.
Other people find that they are more prone to sleeping with an open mouth during orthodontic treatment, especially as they get used to their appliances. This can also cause a morning case of dry mouth. In addition to the “unpleasant” feeling, dry mouth can also cause bacterial plaque build-up. The mouth’s natural production of saliva is at a minimum while you are sleeping.
In addition to some water intake before you hit the hay, try a mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid an AM case of dry mouth. A humidifier for your home, particularly in the bedroom, is also a plus.
Beverage Benchmarks: How Much Water Should You Be Drinking?
Try to aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. And while we know it is tempting in the summer months, please do your best to refrain from soda, Kool Aid, Gatorade, “bug juice” or drinks full of sugar. Those can have a harmful effect on not only your teeth – but your treatment timeline. Read more about sugary beverages here.
Have Food Or Beverage Questions As You Straighten Your Smile?
We are here to help you! Please call us if you have any questions about treatment guidelines; you can also message us through our website here.
If you feel you or a family member may benefit from orthodontic treatment, contact Koch Orthodontics today. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for an inside look at who we are, and what we do!