Summer is now in full swing, and you’re probably trying to make the most of these fun-filled days! But no matter how you’re spending your time this season, it’s important to drink enough water and stay hydrated! Water is the best thing you can drink for your body and staying hydrated is crucial for wellness. That said, some of the signs of dehydration aren’t always very obvious. Here are some of the sneakiest and most difficult to detect signs of dehydration that your dentist thinks you should know about, along with some tips for protecting your mouth and staying hydrated.
Why Is Hydration So Important?
Your body is mostly made up of water, so it makes sense that water is the absolute best beverage for you. But hydration also specifically benefits your oral health in many ways. If your mouth is moist, it’s able to produce plenty of saliva, which is responsible for neutralizing the cavity-causing acids produced by bacteria while also rinsing away any lingering food particles or debris. If you don’t have enough saliva swishing around inside your mouth, you’re more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential oral health problems. In order to produce enough saliva, you need to keep your mouth hydrated!
Sneaky Signs of Dehydration
Feeling thirsty isn’t the only symptom of being hydrated; in fact, you’re often already dehydrated by the time you feel like you need a drink. Also be mindful of these other sneaky signs:
- Bad breath/dry mouth – Insufficient saliva in your mouth allows foul-smelling bacteria to thrive and make your breath stink.
- Headaches – Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, or sometimes migraines in severe cases.
- Flu-like symptoms – During serious cases of dehydration, you might experience dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, fever, chills, or cold/flu-like symptoms.
- Hunger – The part of your brain that controls hunger, thirst, and temperature is the hypothalamus. Sometimes you can feel hungry right after eating—this often means you’re thirsty/dehydrated.
- Fatigue – Sometimes you can feel unenergetic or lethargic, and it can even make getting quality sleep more difficult.
- Muscle cramps – This doesn’t just affect athletes; even simply walking around on a hot day can cause a painful cramp if you aren’t hydrated!
- Dark-colored urine – Clear, pale-yellow urine means you’re hydrated; if it’s a darker shade of yellow, it’s time for a glass of water.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
There’s no actual set rule for how much water you should drink every day; simply drink when you’re thirsty and stop when you’re not. Be mindful that thirst often sets in after you’ve already become dehydrated, so drinking water in advance of physical or outdoor activity is advisable. Spending time in the sun causes your body to sweat and lose fluids, so consider carrying a refillable water bottle with you to ensure that you can continue to rehydrate.
Being dehydrated can lead to some serious health concerns, and it can often happen without us even realizing it! Knowing the importance of hydration and what the signs of dehydration look like can ensure that your body, as well as your oral health, are in tiptop shape for the summer.
About the Practice
Family Dental Center of East Texas proudly serves patients and families in the Nacogdoches area under the leadership of Dr. Youngblood and Dr. Martinez! The practice offers a wide range of available services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, please contact the practice online or by phone: (936) 427-9070.