The importance of hydration.
We all have goals in life and sometimes a goal can be as simple as staying hydrated. Dehydration can happen at any time and is usually due to your lack of water intake. While common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness and fatigue, your oral health also tends to take a toll when your body is dehydrated.
One of the main results of this is dry mouth, characterised by the lack of saliva which is responsible for a host of preventive measures.
Here are four main implications of dry mouth:
Bad breath
Chronic bad breath could point to poor hygiene or equally chronic dehydration. Dehydration leads to the increased presence of acids and bacteria in your mouth that will cause a bad odour which can be difficult to get rid of.
Damaged teeth
Although the role of saliva is often taken for granted, the substance is a vital part of the ecosystem of your mouth and could mean the difference between strong and healthy teeth or damaged and brittle. Your saliva is known to contain minerals which help to repair your tooth enamel. The lack of saliva, caused by chronic dehydration, will lead to your teeth not getting all the nourishment that it needs. Aside from that, saliva helps in reducing your risk of cavities by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria in your mouth.
Higher chance of oral infection
A lack of saliva will allow bacteria or fungus to infest the tissues in your mouth leading to an oral infection and increasing your chances of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease will alter the shape of your gums, give you bad breath, and cause your gums to bleed. In the long run, you could lose one or more teeth and experience constant pain in your mouth.
Easily stained teeth
Without enough saliva, it’s more likely that tiny particles from your foods and drinks will cling to your teeth, eventually staining them. This can be made worse if you’re not brushing and flossing as regularly as you should.
While dry mouth may be temporary, if left to escalate, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your smile. To book an appointment, contact us today.