How Summer Dehydration Can Affect Oral Health

Summer is often a great time for getting out, traveling, and enjoying time with friends and family. But it can also be a dangerous time for your oral health. With higher temperatures and longer days, more and more people are likely to suffer from dehydration during the summer months. Dehydration can affect your oral health as well as your overall health. Staying properly hydrated could help reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities this summer. 

Dehydration can affect your oral health as well as your overall health, especially when traveling during the summer.

Signs of Dehydration

Noticing the early signs of dehydration is a great way to help keep your body in good shape as you enjoy travel or vacation. Signs of dehydration include:

  • Thirst
  • Headaches
  • Chapped lips
  • Muscle spasms/tightness
  • Lack of urination/dark urine

If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a break and get some water to drink. A few minutes rest here and there can make all the difference in your oral and overall health.

How Dehydration Affects Oral Health

When we’re dehydrated, we aren’t producing as much saliva as our mouths need. Saliva plays a crucial role in keeping our teeth and gums healthy. It clears away food particles and bacteria to help prevent plaque buildup. Dehydration can often lead to dry mouth, which, overtime, can reduce your oral health. Keeping hydrated during the summer months could help you avoid cavities and gum disease that can ruin your vacation.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

A good rule of thumb is to drink if you feel thirsty. Thirst is often the body’s way of telling us we’re losing more water than we’re taking in. Even if you aren’t sweating, or don’t feel like you’ve lost too much water, listening to your body is always a good idea. 

It’s also important to keep an eye on what you drink as well. Water is the best way to stay hydrated. Drinks that are high in sugar, such as sodas, can actually contribute to dehydration rather than improve it. If you aren’t a fan of water, try a fruit infuser to help with the flavor. But be mindful of flavored waters that could contain sugar or artificial sweeteners that might increase your risk of developing plaque.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does dehydration hurt my oral health?

When you’re dehydrated, your saliva production dips. Saliva helps clear away food debris and bacteria, so less saliva can speed up plaque buildup, leading to cavities and gum disease.

What are the signs I’m getting dehydrated?

Common indicators include feeling very thirsty, having headaches, chapped lips, muscle cramps, or dark urine. If you notice these, drink water and take a break.

Why is saliva so important for healthy teeth and gums?

Saliva protects your teeth and gums by washing away leftover food and harmful bacteria. Without enough saliva, you’re more prone to decay and infections.

Can dry mouth really cause cavities and gum disease?

Yes. A lack of moisture in your mouth gives bacteria more room to grow. That can quickly become plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum problems.

What should I drink to stay hydrated?

Plain water is best. It hydrates without adding sugar. Sodas or sugary drinks can contribute to dry mouth and cavity formation.

Are flavored waters okay?

It depends on the ingredients. Some flavored waters have sugar or artificial sweeteners that may feed bacteria. Always check labels and choose options with minimal additives.

Start Your Summer With a Cleaning

Starting out with a clean and healthy mouth could help reduce the chances of developing decay or damage as you travel. Contact our office today at 940-340-4588 to schedule your next hygiene appointment in time for your summer travel.