Dehydrated?
Enjoying the weather?
You’re not alone – the cliché of the British summer being cold and wet has been replaced by balmy evenings, hot sun and the thermostat pushing the late 20s and beyond.
Which is nice.
But it does come with its challenges – hot weather dehydrates you, especially if you’re out and about, making the most of the sun.
Add in sweet summer drinks, caffeine and cocktails, and your mouth might end up feeling drier than the desert.
If you’ve ever had a headache from overheating, or had that overwhelming feeling of thirst that doesn’t feel like it can be quenched even with gallons of water, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
But what you might have overlooked is that impact that dehydration has on your oral health – here’s what you need to know:
What Happens to Your Mouth When You’re Dehydrated?
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defence system. It rinses away food particles, neutralises acids and manages growth of bacteria. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases, weakening this important defence.
Left untreated, dry mouth doesn’t just feel uncomfortable, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and even mouth infections.
How to Prevent Dehydration (and Protect Your Mouth)
The good news? Staying hydrated and protecting your oral health is easier than you might think:
1. Drink more water
Aim for 6–8 glasses a day (more if you’re active). Water hydrates your body and naturally rinses your mouth.
2. Avoid dehydrating drinks
Limit alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. If you have them, drink extra water to stay balanced.
3. Eat water-rich foods
Snacks like cucumber, watermelon and oranges help hydrate and support overall health.
4. Rehydration products
Water alone is not always enough to stay hydrated as we lose electrolytes through sweat. Consider a supplement to help with this. The issue is that many of these products, such as sports drinks have a lot of sugar and additives. These are the one I use Trace Minerals Liquid ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops 237ml | Planet Organic (I’m just a customer and have no affiliation with the company).
Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy
Keeping your body hydrated is one of the easiest ways to protect your oral health. By staying aware of dry mouth symptoms and drinking enough water, you can prevent many common dental issues before they start.
If you notice persistent dryness or discomfort in your mouth, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with us:
Ketan
