Drink More Water: Dehydration and Its Role in Oral Health

Most of us do not drink enough water. Since the weather has been hotter for longer, many of us are losing more liquids than we are taking in on a near-daily basis. We may have enough liquid for survival, but our bodies thrive on water, and – when we do not get as much as our bodies need – it can have an effect on every part of our health.

That is especially true about oral health. Dehydration can lead to several oral and dental issues, many of which are irreversible and will require a dentist’s care to treat.

What Does Dehydration Do to Your Oral Health?

Your mouth relies on saliva in order to remain healthy. Saliva washes away food, breaks down bacteria, and provides protection against some of the acids in your mouth. It also distributes the vitamins and minerals that your mouth needs, helping to place calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride into your enamel.

When we are dehydrated, our mouths are unable to make as much saliva, leading to something that we call “Dry Mouth.” Dry mouth, which is exactly what its name sounds like, can cause a host of different dental challenges, including:

• Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease
• Bad Breath
• Oral Infections
• Sores

Without the saliva to eliminate bacteria, diseases like gingivitis become more common and may get worse without the neutralization capabilities that saliva provides. Without nutrients, your teeth are also far more likely to develop cavities, eventually leading to more severe tooth decay that may require other types of treatments.

Treating Dehydration and Dry Mouth

Not all dry mouth is caused by dehydration. Sometimes, aging and diseases of the mouth can lead to dry mouth. There are treatments that we have available for this type of medical-related dry mouth, and Dr. Swanson in Visalia is available to talk to you about these treatments and what they do.

But, for those that have dry mouth due to dehydration, the easiest and most effective treatment is simply drinking more water. Pay attention to how much water (not soda, not coffee, not beer) that you drink during the day, and consider adding a bit more to help reduce the likelihood of dehydration and the effects that it has on your oral health.

If you’ve been dehydrated more often than not, it is important to make sure that you are coming to your regularly scheduled dental appointments, so that we can make sure that you teeth have not experienced any damage and that your oral health is in great shape. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. 559-732-4543