{"id":768,"date":"2024-06-19T20:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T20:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=768"},"modified":"2024-07-19T20:07:01","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T20:07:01","slug":"teeth-hydration-and-saliva-oral-health-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/19\/teeth-hydration-and-saliva-oral-health-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Teeth, Hydration, And\u2026Saliva?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summer is often when people start spending more time outdoors, but with all this intense heat, staying hydrated is super important. Heat stroke is a very real possibility if you\u2019re not careful. However, when the humidity already makes you feel like a slimy sardine, it can be tricky to notice dehydration warning signs. Besides jeopardizing your general health, this could also harm your teeth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To stay safe and learn more, keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Connecting the Dental Dots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be wondering what water has to do with your oral health. That makes sense, since other related health risks are more severe. Still, if you\u2019re dehydrated often, you could compromise your mouth\u2019s saliva production. Believe it or not, saliva helps clean your teeth by washing out loose food debris and bacteria. It can even neutralize enamel-weakening acids!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, less saliva means less protection for your teeth, which means more <\/em>risk for tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Way to Stay Hydrated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Needless to say, it\u2019s important to stay hydrated! But this can be easier said than done. The \u201csix to eight glasses of water per day\u201d fact you might have heard about is actually just a myth. And not everyone is given clear signals by their body. Seniors and those with certain neurological or physical conditions have reduced or nonexistent \u201cthirst sensations\u201d. For them, it\u2019s even harder to tell when they need to take a break and get a drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering this, it\u2019s best to simply make sure you\u2019re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you\u2019re outside. Water bottles with marked timestamps can help those who get mixed thirst-signals, and sugar-free electrolytes can improve water retention for the chronically dehydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading the Signs: Dehydration Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medical professionals say that by the time you feel thirsty, you could already be a little dehydrated. If you\u2019re experiencing any of these <\/em>symptoms, chances are you need more water ASAP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n