It's important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental issues. Staying hydrated increases the amount of saliva you have to wash away food particles and keep your mouth healthy. When it comes to your teeth, some beverages are better than others. Here are some of the best options to keep you hydrated and keep your mouth healthy.

Water
Plain water is one of the best drinks to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean and healthy. Water washes away food debris and dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Most tap water also contains fluoride, which helps strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from tooth decay. 

Unsweetened Tea
A refreshing glass of iced unsweetened tea contains antioxidants that help fight cavity-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in your gums. Green and white tea are especially beneficial. Green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque. White tea has the added benefit of being a great natural source of fluoride, which helps to strengthen your enamel. 

Sugar-Free Sports Drinks
If you are exercising outdoors for an hour or more, sugar-free sports drinks can be a good option if you want more flavor, carbs, and electrolytes. These drinks can help keep you hydrated without damaging teeth—just be sure to skip varieties that contain sugar and added acids. 

Milk
While it may not be the first drink you reach for on a hot day, a cool glass of milk is full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are great for your teeth. Calcium and phosphorus help strengthen and even repair tooth enamel, while vitamin D helps protect against gum disease. 

Avoid acidic and sugar-containing drinks like soft drinks, lemonade, coffee, sweetened tea and alcoholic beverages—choose one of the smile-friendly options above to stay hydrated and healthy this summer!