Stay Hydrated this Summer for Good Oral Health!
As we head into the hot summer months, the Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team wants to remind everyone how important it is to stay hydrated. As temperatures rise – especially here in the desert – it’s critical to consume enough fluids so that your body can regulate itself and function properly. And that includes drinking enough water to maintain a healthy smile!
Some Facts About Water & Your Body
Did you know that your body puts roughly 2.6 million sweat glands to work to release enough fluids through your pores to keep you cool? During the sizzling summer months in Arizona, your body must work harder at constantly replenishing fluids. On an average day, health experts recommend drinking 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water per day. You can also try to calculate how much water you should drink by dividing your body weight in half and then consuming that many ounces of water. While there is no perfect formula for hydration, the key is to listen to your body and fuel it properly. In the summer months, your body perspires more and works harder to keep cool. So as temperatures climb, your water consumption should increase too!
Are You Dehydrated?
Ensure that you are drinking the proper amount of water – and increase your water intake as needed to stay hydrated — by being aware of these common signs of dehydration:
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Dark urine/less frequent urination
- Increased fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Lightheadedness/disorientation
- Constipation
Dehydration and Oral Health
Saliva production is essential to oral health! Without enough of it to wash away food and other oral debris, bacteria flourishes in the mouth, increasing your risk for cavities and tooth decay. Dry mouth resulting from dehydration is also a common culprit of bad breath. Fortunately, you can combat these dental dilemmas by listening to cues from your body and upping your water intake accordingly. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple glass of water! Proper hydration stimulates saliva production and keeps oral health on track. Drinking water that contains fluoride takes dental health a step further by fortifying tooth enamel and building stronger teeth.
Tips to Help You Stay Hydrated
Once you feel thirsty, it’s likely that you’re already dehydrated! So it’s smart to make water consumption part of your daily summer routine. Dr. E recommends these hydration tips:
- Take a refreshing bottle of water with you wherever you go
- Start and end your day with a glass of water – and be sure to drink up throughout the day!
- Choose foods with a high water content, such as celery, cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries and other healthy fruits and veggies
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks and opt for – you guessed it – water!
- Try to avoid the hot summer sun during peak hours (between 10am – 2pm). If possible, find shade or A/C during this window to cool down and refresh your body
The Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team wants you to remember that one of the keys to having a safe summer – and a healthy smile – is to stay hydrated. So be cool and drink up, everyone!
Happy summer from the entire Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Dental Team!