Many people look forward to soaking up plenty of sunshine and enjoying the warm weather during the summer months. However, if you’re spending more time outside this season, watch out for dehydration. As the weather heats up, you will sweat more than usual and lose plenty of fluids. It’s incredibly important to replace what you’ve lost to avoid complications. Read on to learn how dehydration can negatively affect oral health and which signs may indicate you need to drink more water.
How Does Dehydration Affect Oral Health?
Everyone knows about the importance of staying hydrated. Although it’s important to drink plenty of water at all times, it’s especially crucial in hot weather. Otherwise, you increase your risk of dehydration, which is a big problem during the summer months.
Dehydration can have detrimental effects on your body, causing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and more. But it doesn’t stop there – it can also affect your oral health, causing your saliva production to decrease and increasing your risk of dry mouth and dental disease. Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy mouth by washing away harmful bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums. For that reason, dry mouth is a serious issue you should do your best to avoid.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
Because the signs of dehydration are subtle, it can be hard to tell when your body needs fluids. While symptoms can vary from person to person, there are some common signs to look out for. If you notice any of the following, it can alert you of dehydration:
Young Children and Infants
- Crying without tears
- Diaper that hasn’t been wet in over three hours
- A dry mouth or tongue
- Sunken cheeks and eyes
- Irritability and listlessness
Adults
- Less urination
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth or bad breath (halitosis)
- Dark-colored urine
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Dizziness, fatigue, or confusion
Tips to Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. By staying hydrated, you can keep yourself safe during the warmer months. Here’s how you can ensure you get enough water throughout the day:
- Always drink water when you’re thirsty
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times
- Hydrate before, during, and after exercising
- Eat foods with high water content, like fresh fruits and vegetables
- If you’re not a fan of plain water, try drinking herbal or fruit-infused water instead
Don’t let all the summertime fun get in your way of staying hydrated. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your body happy and healthy this season!
About the Practice
At Collinsville Dental Associates, we offer high-quality, state-of-the-art, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Our goal is to help every person that walks through our doors achieve and maintain their very best smile. For more summer oral health tips, visit our website or call (276) 647-1494.