The link between Dehydration and Oral Health

We all have heard how important it is to drink water regularly and keep our bodies hydrated. There are various benefits of staying hydrated but not many people know that staying hydrated also has positive benefits on oral health. Staying hydrated is important for both your physical and oral health.

Not just in the summers, it is important to remain hydrated in every season for maintaining your body’s chemistry balance. Proper balance affects our mouth as well. Dehydration can lead to dental issues such as bad breath, gum tissue problems, and decay. A vibrant smile is always enhanced when it is well moisturized and hydrated.

When you are dehydrated, one of the first signs is dry mouth. It begins with bad breath and can further lead to complications such as gingivitis. Dehydration causes a lack of saliva in your mouth which becomes a breeding ground for cavities and gingivitis, explains the dentist near you. It is said that healthy people should drink at least 30 to 50 ounces of water every day i.e. about 1 to 1.5 liters of water. It should be a part of your health and oral care regimen.

According to a Dentist in Raritan, NJ, the kidney loses some ability to eliminate water as we age. It is important to remain hydrated well throughout the day. He recommends drinking water and juices and eating fruits and salads as they contain water. An easy way of staying hydrated is drinking water at regular intervals. Having more of juices can be bad for your oral health as they can attract bacteria and plaque. It is better to drink more water for staying hydrated than drinking juices and beverages.

How to Know If You Are Hydrated?

As mentioned above, it is recommended to drink 1 to 1.5 liters of water every day. However, it is to be known that this is a general rule and it doesn’t hold for everyone. You can find out if you are properly hydrated or not by checking your urine. If it is colorless or light yellow, you are hydrated. If it’s darker in color, you are at risk of dehydration and you must consider changing your habits and lifestyle.

Let’s Have a Look at Some Tips for Staying Hydrated

• You should not wait for drinking water till the time you begin feeling thirsty. Feeling thirsty is a sign that you are already dehydrated. Thus, you should try sipping something regularly throughout the day or drink a glass of water before and in between the meals.
• Another way of staying hydrated is by eating fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and non-starchy vegetables like watermelons, grapes, tomatoes, and lettuce contain water and can help in staying hydrated. Fruits contain carbohydrates. Make sure you include them as a part of your meal.
• Whenever you step out of your house, carry a portable water bottle with yourself so that you can take some sips at frequent intervals. During night time also you should keep a water bottle beside your bed so that you can drink water at night or whenever you wake up. Sleeping time is a duration where you get the most dehydrated.
• Drinking water before having a meal is also advisable.
• Always sip water before, during, and after the exercise. When you sweat, your body loses fluid. If you are doing longer workouts, you can sip water in between the exercise also.

Why Is it Important to Stay Hydrated for Protecting Your Oral Health?

When you don’t drink enough water, the saliva production in your mouth reduces. Saliva helps in washing out the bacteria and food particles which prevents the accumulation of plaque in the mouth. When you are hydrated, there is enough saliva in your mouth to keep the bacteria, food debris and plaque away. Plaque and bacteria are the main causes of gum infection and decay. When you keep the plaque away, several oral health issues can be prevented.

Apart from drinking sufficient water and staying hydrated, try to maintain a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing along with seeing the dentist twice a year. It helps in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental diseases from happening.