{"id":628,"date":"2022-06-07T09:35:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T09:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olberdingdental.com\/blog\/?p=628"},"modified":"2022-07-18T21:36:30","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T21:36:30","slug":"3-sneaky-signs-of-dehydration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olberdingdental.com\/blog\/2022\/06\/3-sneaky-signs-of-dehydration\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch for These 3 Sneaky Signs of Dehydration"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Many states \u2014 Nebraska included \u2014 are seeing record high temperatures this summer. Given such weather, you\u2019re likely already trying to avoid dehydration. Even if you\u2019re out swimming by the pool, it won\u2019t take long before your tongue dries out and you start feeling parched. However, there\u2019s more at stake than just uncomfortable heat and thirst. Did you know fluid loss can also threaten your oral health<\/a>? To avoid that risk, read this summary about sneaky signs of dehydration, their effect on teeth and gums, and tips on preventing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are the Sneaky Signs of Dehydration?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As it turns out, being thirsty and sweaty aren\u2019t the only signs that you\u2019re dehydrated. There are also subtler indicators you might not expect. Here are three of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bad Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hunger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fluish Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might think you have the summer flu when you have headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. But it could just as well be dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow Does Dehydration Affect My Oral Health?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The saliva dried by dehydration (see \u2018Bad Breath\u2019) 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow Do I Stay Hydrated?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you follow the right hydration practices, you can avoid the signs and effects above. That said, add these habits to your regular routines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n