Whether you enjoy spending your days out by the pool, going for a hike, or barbecuing with family and friends, summer is a great time of year to be outside. But too much heat can be dangerous, and it is not just your smile that can be negatively affected but your body as well. To ensure that you remain safe while enjoying the outdoors, learn the various signs of dehydration and make sure you fill up your bottle of water before leaving the house.
What Causes Dehydration?
Whether you are inside or outside, dehydration can easily occur when you consume less fluid than what is being put out. Your body’s muscles can begin to cramp, and you might even develop a headache as a result.
The National Health Service (NHS) states that water makes up two-thirds of your body, so if you are not regularly consuming enough fluid to remain hydrated, problems can develop that cause a lack of proper function throughout various muscles and organs.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
Some of the more obvious signs of dehydration include everything from extreme thirst, nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, cramps, and heat exhaustion. However, other, less noticeable, signs should have you keeping an eye out while going for a run or spending time outside:
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Dark urine
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Hungry after eating
- Extreme fatigue
Without plenty of water in your body, you will begin to notice changes occurring that cause you to feel sick or just unpleasant.
When it comes to your oral health, you will find that a lack of water can cause your salivary glands to stop production, resulting in dry mouth and bad breath. By consuming more fluids, you will reignite these glands to start working again, allowing harmful toxins to be flushed out.
How Can I Start Drinking More Water?
If you want to avoid the potential of an emergency room visit because of dehydration, you will need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. You can do this by:
- Buying a water bottle that has markings designating how much you should drink by a particular time of day.
- Setting a timer on your phone to remind you to drink water.
- Infusing your water with berries if you prefer more of a taste.
Do not avoid the outdoors this summer. Just make sure you are taking proper precautions to stay safe and stay hydrated.
About the Practice
DuPont Family Dentistry is pleased to have four skilled professionals who believe in the power of preventive care. Providing helpful tips to beat the heat this summer, they can ensure that you and your family have fun, stay safe, and remain hydrated. If you need help to make sure that you are drinking enough fluids to avoid problems with your oral and overall health, contact us at (253) 964-7000 to learn how we can help.