Did you know that saliva is part of your mouth’s natural defense system? It helps regularly rinse away leftover food, bacteria, and other debris that can otherwise cling to your teeth and gums, where they contribute to common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Your spit also has a nearly neutral pH balance to help combat potential acid damage.
But if your body is dehydrated, you’re unlikely to produce enough moisture to help safeguard your smile. Continue reading to learn about 3 signs that let you know you might be low on water to help avoid potential problems!
Indicator #1: Dry Mouth
If you’ve noticed that your oral cavity feels arid or sticky, or you’ve developed chronic bad breath, it may be due to dry mouth. This happens when your salivary glands don’t produce enough moisture to rinse away harmful germs, allowing them to flourish. As they do, they produce volatile sulfur compounds that can smell unpleasant, like rotten eggs.
One quick, effective way to address this is to drink more water throughout the day. This helps keep your mouth fresh and clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Proper hydration also boosts your immune system, increasing your resistance to these common dental concerns.
Indicator #2: Muscle Cramps
Many people also experience muscle cramps or spasms when their body’s fluid reserves are depleted. This is likely because you lose essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, when you sweat, resulting in electrolyte imbalances. This, in turn, affects the signals sent to the nerves that control muscle contraction and relaxation, which can cause painful muscle lock-up. You might also notice that your muscles seem to tire more easily if you haven’t been drinking enough water.
You can help restore your system by incorporating more nutrient-rich foods or drinks into your daily diet. For instance, coconut water is an excellent source of potassium and sodium, and different ingredients, such as bananas, avocados, spinach, and pickles can also provide electrolytes to restore balance.
Indicator #3: Headache
If you frequently experience migraines or are prone to lasting, chronic headaches, it might be because your body is parched. Dehydration can temporarily shrink brain tissue and cause it to pull away from the skull, straining the tender tissues and membranes surrounding it. However, this discomfort can also be caused by decreased blood flow and oxygen levels to the brain that occur when your fluid levels drop.
Keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day can encourage you to drink more H2O to avoid potential consequences of dehydration and protect your oral and overall well-being!
About the Practice
Patients at Metro Park Dental Arts benefit from a team of dentists who are dedicated to helping them build the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their teeth and gums. Dr. Erickson, Dr. Mercer, and Dr. Reed share decades of experience between them, and today, they collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including preventive visits, to help meet the unique needs of people of all ages. If you’re concerned about your dental condition, you can request an appointment on the website or call (479) 275-4953.