Summer is her
e, which means you’re probably spending more time outdoors to enjoy the warm weather. As you soak up the sun, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can affect your oral and general health. Here’s how staying hydrated can support healthy teeth and gums.
Dehydration Causes a Dry Mouth
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your saliva, but a normal body produces 2 to 4 pints of spit each day. Saliva not only kick-starts the digestive process, but it also keeps your mouth moist. Dehydration decreases your saliva production, causing your mouth to become dry. A dry mouth is a perfect environment for oral bacteria growth, which can increase your risk of certain dental issues, including:
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay occurs when the enamel is exposed to cavity-causing bacteria. Your saliva rinses food residue from your teeth to keep decay at bay.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. If your mouth is too dry, bacteria can get out of control quickly, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Bad Breath: An overgrowth of bacteria can lead to chronic bad breath, no matter your oral hygiene routine.
Brushing and flossing can remove oral bacteria, but a dry mouth isn’t something to ignore. Staying hydrated is your first step to improving the health of your teeth and gums.
Hydration Supports a Healthy Smile
Healthcare professionals recommend drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration. However, the amount necessary varies depending on various factors, like if you’re outdoors or physically active, which means you need to drink more water.
Staying hydrated will keep your mouth moist to control oral bacteria. With every sip you take, you replenish your body’s water supply and rinse your mouth, which will decrease oral bacteria.
If drinking more water doesn’t resolve a dry mouth, it’s time to contact your dentist. Besides dehydration, various factors can cause the issue, like certain medications or underlying health problems. Your dentist will determine what’s causing the decrease of saliva production to create a personalized treatment plan to support a healthy smile.
You can do many things at home to encourage saliva production, like chewing a piece of sugarless gum or eating low-fat cheese. With a proactive approach to combating dry mouth, your smile will stay healthy.
About Dr. Christine DiBlasi Laster
Dr. Laster obtained her dental degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education to provide specialty services for patients of all ages. She strives to create healthy smiles through the power of prevention. Request an appointment through our website or call (919) 561-6393.