As the weather is getting warmer and you are spending more time outside, there is an issue that is affecting many of us: dehydration! It is so important that you get enough fluids throughout the day so your organs can function properly. If not, you could end up with some serious problems with your oral health and the rest of your body. Continue reading to learn some of the sneaky signs of dehydration so you know when you need to quench your thirst.
You Have Bad Breath
When you are dehydrated, you are not producing as much saliva as you should. This is what helps to break down food and rinse it out of your mouth and into your esophagus. When this cleaning action isn’t happening in your mouth as quickly as it should, more bacteria will grow, and you could end up with some foul-smelling breath. While it isn’t always the case, dehydration is another potential sign of dehydration.
Muscle Spasms / Cramps
One reason why people may get muscle cramps when they exercise is because of dehydration and electrolyte depletion. However, this doesn’t just effect athletes. If walking around starts to cause you to feel muscle pain or tightness, this could mean that you aren’t drinking enough.
Headaches
Headaches are a very common sign of mild to moderate dehydration. Dehydration can also trigger migraine episodes, but it isn’t fully understood why this happens. If you have frequent headaches, this may be a sign that you need to have a couple glasses of water.
Dark Urine
One of many ways that health professionals can diagnose dehydration is by testing patient’s urine to see if it is too concentrated. However, you can sometimes pick up on this yourself. A hydrated person has pale yellow urine while dehydrated people have darker yellow urine.
Increased Hunger
Feelings of thirst and hunger both come from the same region of the brain. If you are feeling hungry soon after eating, it may be that you are actually thirsty. Because a lot of the cues in the body for the two are similar, it can be easy to mix them up.
Tired
Staying hydrated is a crucial part of maintaining energy throughout the day. This helps your body to deliver key nutrients to your cells and keeps your organs functioning properly. Hydration also affects your quality of sleep.
If you notice the signs listed above, it could mean that you are lacking fluids. Be sure that you are consuming your daily recommended intake of water. This way, you can set your smile and the rest of your body up for success.
About the Author
Dr. James A. Maurer is an experienced dentist who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota. He is a proud member of several honor societies and professional organizations. To learn more about maintaining excellent oral health or to schedule an appointment at his office in Longmont, visit his website or call (303) 772-7000.