Many states — Nebraska included — are seeing record high temperatures this summer. Given such weather, you’re likely already trying to avoid dehydration. Even if you’re out swimming by the pool, it won’t take long before your tongue dries out and you start feeling parched. However, there’s more at stake than just uncomfortable heat and thirst. Did you know fluid loss can also threaten your oral health? To avoid that risk, read this summary about sneaky signs of dehydration, their effect on teeth and gums, and tips on preventing them.
“What are the Sneaky Signs of Dehydration?”
As it turns out, being thirsty and sweaty aren’t the only signs that you’re dehydrated. There are also subtler indicators you might not expect. Here are three of them.
Bad Breath
Dehydration can sometimes lead to bad breath. Drying up saliva allows more foul-smelling bacteria and leftover food to build up in your mouth. So, if you notice your breath getting a bit stinky, it might be a red flag that you need to drink some water.
Hunger
Perhaps surprisingly, you might feel hungry when you get dehydrated. Both thirst and hunger cues come from the hypothalamus, the brain region that controls these functions and other things like body temperature. The next time you feel hungry after eating, consider whether the real culprit is thirst.
Fluish Symptoms
You might think you have the summer flu when you have headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. But it could just as well be dehydration.
“How Does Dehydration Affect My Oral Health?”
The saliva dried by dehydration (see ‘Bad Breath’) typically keeps your mouth healthy by washing away food debris and bacteria that affect teeth and gums. It also bathes your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, minerals that help to strengthen your teeth. Therefore, its absence can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth sores.
“How Do I Stay Hydrated?”
If you follow the right hydration practices, you can avoid the signs and effects above. That said, add these habits to your regular routines:
- Quench Your Thirst: Don’t let yourself put up with thirst. Instead, drink when you’re thirsty and stop when you’re not. Plus, consider having drinks made of water and electrolytes — the latter helps your body keep nutrients. Herbal tea or fruit-infused water are good choices too.
- Drink in Advance: You might be dehydrated even before you’re thirsty. Therefore, prepare for thirst-inducing experiences like sun exposure or exercise by drinking plenty the day before. Hydrate during and after these times as well.
- Use Good Tools: Have a reusable water bottle handy throughout the day. You could also use one with marked time goals.
Of course, you can and should hydrate for your physical health. But remember that doing so will also help your smile!
About the Practice
Olberding Dental is based in Lincoln, NE. As led by Dr. Louis Olberding, their team offers the best dental care possible through advanced techniques and technology. As such, they provide excellent preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention therapy for TMJ and sleep apnea. The practice ensures that patients receive these quality results in a comfortable office setting. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or by phone at (402)-488-2325.