Dry Dilemma: 3 Signs You May Be Dehydrated

May is here, and with it comes longer, hotter days as summer approaches. This season is ideal for taking time off work for some fun in the sun, but it’s important to remember to drink plenty of water while you do. Temperatures are skyrocketing this time of year, and it’s easy to become dehydrated if you’re not careful. When you don’t have enough H2O in your system, your overall well-being and dental condition can both suffer.

However, many people aren’t aware that some of the symptoms they’re experiencing are due to dehydration. Continue reading to learn 3 indicators that you need more water so you can prevent potential health problems!

Sign #1: Dry Mouth

Your body produces saliva as a natural defense against unhealthy bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Saliva rinses away germs and food particles that can cling to teeth and has a nearly neutral pH balance to counteract acid damage from the foods you eat. This helps preserve your enamel, so you’re less likely to develop damage or tooth decay.

If your system is too dry, however, it cannot produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. An overly dry mouth puts you at an increased risk of dental issues because you aren’t creating enough spit. Plus, as germs flourish, you might even notice that your breath doesn’t smell so fresh, either!

Sign #2: Headaches

If you’ve been spending more time outdoors lately and notice that you’ve also been having more headaches than usual, it could be due to dehydration. In fact, a lack of water can even trigger migraines, although the exact reason for this is not entirely known. It could be because a lack of moisture temporarily shrinks your brain tissue, which may cause the throbbing you’ve experienced.

Regardless of why it happens, having a headache could indicate that you need to stop what you’re doing and drink a cool glass of water.

Sign #3: Muscle Cramps

It’s natural to feel sore after completing strenuous activities like running or weightlifting. However, if you’re having mystery aches you can’t explain, it could be an indicator that you need more water. When you’re dehydrated, your electrolytes become depleted or imbalanced, which can cause muscle cramps, pain, or tightness.

Consuming more water can restore your body’s sodium and potassium levels as well as restore a proper pH balance in your body. This can keep muscle spasms like charley horses at bay.

Staying hydrated can also prevent issues like nausea, fatigue, and general malaise this summer, so don’t forget to take a water bottle with you wherever you go!

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti has more than 10 years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She completed her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has continued learning with ongoing courses at SPEAR Education. Now, she offers a full array of services under one roof to meet all of your oral care needs. She pairs a calm and gentle demeanor with advanced dental technology to enhance patient comfort and increase treatment accuracy. If you’re worried you may have a cavity or gum disease, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (352) 383-8121.