Water Can Help Your Gums Stay Healthier During Periodontal Treatment

Keeping your mouth clean is important to good oral health. Sometimes, even with proper maintenance, your gums can still become infected. When undergoing periodontal treatment, keeping your mouth clean and free of bacteria is even more crucial to prevent further damage. One of the best ways to do this is simply by drinking water.

Cleans Mouth

Water is a pure beverage. It is free of sugars and other particles that bacteria like to eat. Drinking water washes away leftover food particles that bacteria look for. It also rinses away sugars that might linger after drinking fruit juices or soda.

Dilutes Acids

Some foods and beverages, such as tomatoes or lemonade, contain a high level of acidity. These acids can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, especially during the vulnerable time during periodontal treatment. Acid can eat away at your teeth and the sensitive gum tissues. Water dilutes these acids, lessening their ability to cause harm.

Cuts Dry Mouth

Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against bacteria (one of its many jobs). It contains the proteins and minerals necessary to destroy these invaders. An insufficient production of saliva results in dry mouth, which is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Drinking water keeps you hydrated, thus keeping your saliva production as it should be.

Other Uses

Water can be helpful during periodontal treatment in other ways as well. For one, you can dissolve salt in it, making a salt water rinse. Salt is a natural disinfectant, and can help remove inflammation from your gums. It also works to draw out infection.

Water can also be useful in the form of a waterpik flosser. This piece of equipment uses pressurized water to clean areas that regular floss cannot reach. The pressure is also gentle, so it won’t cause harm to your healing gums.

You’ve taken the first step to healing your gums by seeking periodontal treatment. Aid in your recovery process by drinking lots of water to keep out bacteria and prevent further infection.

Please contact our office if you have any questions about your oral health.