We’ve all been there. It’s one of those hectic days, and you’re running to another commitment, leaving health and well-being in the dust. It’s nearly impossible to keep up with the top health suggestions in addition to the daily demands of life. However, implementing small habits such as staying hydrated can make a drastic difference. Some say that 75% of Americans struggle with dehydration, but there is no evidence truly supporting this claim. Verified evidence confirms that dehydration affects 16%-21% of people.

While this may seem like a comparatively insignificant number, dehydration has an indisputable impact on both well-being and dental health. Not drinking enough water can actually play a major role in cavity formation and oral pain. In this article, we’ll look at the consequences of dehydration, the benefits of staying hydrated, the importance of when you drink water, dealing with dry mouth, and tips on staying hydrated.  

Consequences of Dehydration on Your Teeth

Most people know that being dehydrated is bad for their health. What some may not realize is that it can also lead to tooth decay and stained teeth. Bacterial buildup keeps teeth from receiving the minerals they need. Accumulation of bacteria can also result in gum disease, which involves painful, inflamed gums. Drinking water throughout the day helps to rinse out the acids and potentially plaque-forming bacteria, protecting your teeth from harm. Your teeth consist of an outer layer called enamel, which protects your teeth from stains and decay.

Acids left on the teeth, such as coffee, wine, or soda, can begin to erode the enamel. This erosion places you at a higher risk for stained teeth, tooth decay, and oral problems. Staying hydrated throughout the day is one of the best ways to eliminate bacteria and acids and protect your teeth.

Isn’t Brushing Enough?

Everyone knows that you need to regularly brush if you want healthy teeth. However, there’s more to oral health than just brushing and flossing. Staying hydrated is important for preventing gum disease and reducing bacterial buildup. If you struggle with bad breath, you might be dealing with dehydration. Hydration is important, but drinking water over sugary drinks is better for cavity prevention. Bacterial buildup on teeth can cause bad breath, but drinking water can wash out the smell.

Not only does water wash out bacteria and sugar, but it also helps restore balance to the pH, reducing erosion. Hydration also supports the tissue health of the gums. After dental procedures, drinking water can aid in healing and reduce inflammation. Cavities won’t grow if there is nothing feeding them. Doing something as simple as taking a few extra sips after a meal or snack can make a huge difference.

Does It Matter When I Hydrate?

Picture it. You’ve made it through most of the day and have completely forgotten to drink water. Remembering this, you quickly down a large bottle of water, but still experience severe plaque buildup and dental problems. Why didn’t drinking water help? Getting the most benefit of hydration for your teeth comes down to the timing. Drinking water after meals and snacks rinses out the leftover food debris, sugar, and bacteria.

While brushing your teeth after each meal would be great for preventing cavities, it is not always ideal. In addition, drinking water before bed or using a humidifier can help with overnight dry mouth. Coffee and tea can both count towards hydration, but can also contribute to dental caries if they’re filled with sugar. Many emphasize hydration in the summer, but staying hydrated in the winter is also important due to the dry air.

Dry Mouth: Staying Hydrated to Avoid Cavities

Most people may interpret thirst as a sign that they will need fluids soon. However, thirst is typically an indicator that you’re already lacking hydration. Water is not only important for rinsing out the bacteria and food debris, but also for preventing dry mouth. Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is problematic because it allows the bacteria to grow without interference. Not staying hydrated can also lead to cracked lips and recurring mouth infections.

Bad breath is a common symptom of dry mouth, caused by the uninhibited growth of bacteria. Drinking water can restore saliva production. If you’re experiencing fatigue, headache, or dry mouth, it could be dehydration. Tobacco and alcohol use are also associated with dry mouth. Dry mouth is a big deal because it prevents electrolyte-carrying saliva from reaching the teeth. In short, if you want to prevent dental caries, bad breath, and bacterial buildup, drink water!

Don’t Forget to Hydrate: Practical Tips for Remembering

Staying hydrated is important, but incorporating it into the busyness of daily life can be challenging. Bringing a water bottle everywhere you go is a first step! Instead of drinking water all at once, try taking sips throughout the day, such as before and after eating. If you’re having difficulty finding the motivation to drink enough water, try flavored or sparkling water. Avoid sugary drinks such as sodas or iced coffees as your primary source of hydration since they feed bacterial growth.

A creative way to stay hydrated is to plan fruits and veggies into your meals. Legumes, some leafy greens, watermelon, and cucumbers are great for hydration. If you’re an athlete or do regular strenuous activities, try hydrating before and after in order to maintain electrolyte balance. Most recommend drinking 6-8 glasses each day, but it depends on what suits your health needs and activity level.

Conclusion: Staying Hydrated

Living in a world of constant busyness can make it hard to remember to drink enough water. Staying hydrated can not only benefit your health, but can also directly impact your teeth as well. Dry mouth can cause bacteria to proliferate, leading to cavities, bad breath, and painful gums. Drinking water after eating and before bed can help protect enamel and tooth health from destructive acids and sugar. Consuming some fruits and vegetables, or drinking sparkling or flavored water, are some unique ways to make hydrating fun. Aiming for 6-8 glasses per day is a great way to keep track of hydration.

If you need more tips on staying hydrated to benefit your dental health, Washington Family Dental is here to help – schedule an appointment with us today!