Drinking water is essential to your overall health. Did you know that it has a direct impact, especially on your oral health? Dehydration has a significant impact on your body and your mouth. Hydration can affect the health of your teeth and gums because of its importance in creating adequate saliva. This article discusses the causes and health consequences of dehydration and why hydration is crucial for your oral health.
Causes and Consequences of Dehydration
Dehydration is a result of your body not having enough water and fluids. Some causes of dehydration include:
- Not drinking enough – You may not drink enough when you are sick or busy, or if you don’t have access to safe water when traveling.
- Losing too much fluid – You can lose a lot of fluid through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or urinating too much.
- Urinating too much – This can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes or certain medications like diuretics.
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine – You might try limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, diluting tea with water, and avoiding energy drinks and fruit juices.
Especially during the heat of the summer and when you are physically active, you should be aware of the amount of fluids you are taking in. Based on information from the Mayo Clinic, dehydration can cause various health issues including:
- heat cramps
- heat exhaustion
- urinary and kidney problems
- seizures from electrolyte imbalance
- loss of consciousness due to low blood volume
The Amount of Fluids You Need
Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years for the amount of water you should drink each day. Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. For your body to function properly and be healthy, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
The amount of water your body needs depends on the level of your physical activity, the temperature outside, the climate, and your weight. Men need more fluids than women. That being said, the generally accepted guideline for staying hydrated and healthy is drinking at least eight (8) eight-ounce glasses of water each day.
Hydration for Oral Health
Here are a few reasons why staying adequately hydrated is beneficial for your oral health.
Maintaining Healthy Saliva Production
Saliva neutralizes acids that bacteria in your mouth produce. It aids in digesting food and keeps your mouth moist, which is critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva creates an environment that covers your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which are minerals that help to strengthen your teeth. Dehydration reduces saliva production which, in turn, increases the risk of oral health issues.
Prevents a Dry Mouth
A dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, but dehydration is a primary one. When you don’t have enough fluid in your body to produce the saliva you need, it can cause your mouth to be dry. A dry mouth that persists can create many oral problems such as burning and soreness in your mouth, bad breath, an altered sense of taste, mouth infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. Drinking enough water ensures your mouth stays moist, reducing the probability of dry mouth symptoms.
Reduces Sugar Cravings
Hydration helps regulate your body’s energy levels and reduces the tendency to use sugary drinks or snacks for a quick energy boost. Sugary foods and beverages are major contributors to tooth decay.
Rinses and Removes Food Particles and Bacteria
Water is a natural cleanser for your mouth. By drinking water throughout the day you help wash away food particles and bacteria that lead to plaque buildup and bad breath.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Everyone is busy during the day, making it more difficult to drink enough water.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated throughout the day. For more tips on drinking water, read our article “10 Ways to Drink More Water for Dental Health.”
- Carry a water bottle with you – Keeping water with you is a reminder that you need to drink it regularly.
- Keep water at your desk – If you are at work at a desk, keep a glass of water by you as a reminder to drink during the day.
- Drink water after urinating
- Take sips during breaks
- Eat hydrating foods – Approximately 20% of the water in your body comes from the foods you eat. Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, celery, melons, strawberries, salads, and fresh fruit.
- Drink coconut water – Coconut water is a flavorful fluid that can balance your electrolytes.
- Drink herbal teas – Drink herbal teas like peppermint or camomile at night while relaxing from your hectic day.
- Set a reminder – A reminder every 30 minutes may be helpful while you are working.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Practicing good oral hygiene involves the routine you complete every day to clean your teeth. Brushing your teeth each morning and evening as well as flossing daily make up your regimen to keep a healthy mouth. Included in this regimen are regularly scheduled visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Contact Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to Schedule a Dental Cleaning and Checkup
If you’ve been busy and neglected to make the time for your routine dental cleaning and checkup, contact us today to schedule that important appointment. Our professional team at Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry is here to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Call our Holly Springs dentist at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203, or use the convenient online form below to schedule an appointment.