Professor Umberto Solimene explains how water can contribute to maintaining the beauty and health of our teeth
Whether it is to express happiness or good education, a smile is an important ally in everyday life. To keep it dazzling and healthy, as well as a correct and complete oral hygiene, it is important to take the right amount of water every day. A drink of choice for the psycho-physical well-being of the whole body, unlike other beverages, in addition to not eroding, damaging or staining the dentition, the water contains several precious elements, such as calcium and fluorine, which contribute to preserving our dental health.
"Smoking, red wine, but also tea and coffee can facilitate the yellowing of the dental arch. Furthermore, some acidic drinks, if consumed in excess, can have an erosive effect and damage the enamel - explains Umberto Solimene, of the University of Milan, member of the Sanpellegrino Observatory, President of FEMTEC, World Federation of Thermalism - Water , as it is microbiologically pure, as well as for the minerals it contains, in particular calcium and fluorine, it favors an increase in the average salivary pH values, protecting the teeth".
Just calcium and fluoride promote healthy development of the teeth and the strengthening of the enamel, which helps to make the color more or less white. In fact, enamel is made up of 96% calcium compounds, the daily requirement of which varies according to age and physiological conditions from 0,5 to 1,5 grams per day. The optimal amount of fluoride - an element known above all for its role in the prevention of dental caries - is instead of 0,7 mg / l per day.
"Water, without adding calories, helps guarantee our body the achievement of the optimal daily calcium level. By drinking 1,5l of mineral water rich in this element daily, it is possible to take more than 30% of the daily requirement. The mineral waters - continues Professor Solimene - contain, in addition to calcium, the right dose of fluoride and are ideal for preventing dental caries, especially in children and adolescents up to 14 years. But beware, an excessive amount of fluoride could lead to fluorosis, with a relative accumulation in the teeth and skeleton. This is the reason why it is advisable to drink waters containing more than 1,5 mg / l only for short periods and not continuously".
Drinking the right amount of water - about 8 glasses a day - especially before and after meals, also helps keep your mouth clean. “In fact, water helps to remove food residues and the acidity released from food, to reduce bad breath and dry mouth, caused by poor cleaning and the accumulation of bacteria” - concludes Professor Solimene.