Since May is nearly over, the summer heat is really starting to kick in. You’ll need to keep your fluids up amid the rising temperatures. Still, easier said than done; this task gets tricky if you don’t know the sneaky signs of dehydration. That’s why your Fort Smith dentist is here with some helpful facts and advice. So, keep reading to learn why dehydration harms oral health, a few signs to watch for, and how to stay hydrated this summer.
Dehydration Harms Oral Health
When you get dehydrated, it isn’t just your muscles or organs that suffer. The loss of fluid also harms your oral health over time.
The fact is that saliva is crucial to a healthy smile. It remineralizes your teeth and removes harmful bacteria when present, reducing your risk of oral issues. However, dehydration removes the crucial saliva in your mouth. That means a dehydrated smile lets harmful germs grow and multiply, making bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease more likely.
Some Sneaky Signs of Dehydration
The signs of dehydration aren’t all obvious; many can be hard to recognize at first. Therefore, make sure to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
Headaches
You may not have known, but headaches are a pretty common result of dehydration. Loss of bodily fluid can temporarily shrink brain tissue, and said shrinkage often causes pain. That being the case, consider whether your throbbing head stems from a lack of water.
Muscle Cramps
Muscles often cramp when you’re dehydrated. After all, loss of fluid deprives you of sodium and potassium – minerals that balance your body’s PH levels and control nervous system function.
Hunger
Hunger is just as much a sign of dehydration as thirst. Since cues for both come from the hypothalamus, feeling hungry means you may be thirsty (or vice versa).
How to Stay Hydrated This Summer
It isn’t too hard to stay hydrated during the summer. Often enough, you just need to use the following tips and tricks:
- Be Prepared – Remember to pack plenty of water for any outdoor activities you’ll have.
- Eat Watery Meals – Make sure to include fruits and veggies in your meals. These foods have a high water content and serve as ideal summer snacks.
- Drink to Thirst – Thirst is a reliable indicator of dehydration, so remember to drink until it passes.
These points should protect you from the sneaky signs of dehydration. However, don’t hesitate to see your dental provider for more guidance!
About the Practice
New Smile Dental is based in Fort Smith, AR. Led by the amazing Dr. Lopez, our practice is always ready and eager to help patients’ smiles thrive. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care, with treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our team can even provide emergency oral treatments as needed, so don’t hesitate to see us. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (479)-434-4277.