(386) 734-8585
With temperatures soaring and breaking records around the world, it has never been more important to stay hydrated. Drinking water can help reduce your risk of serious conditions including dehydration and heat stroke, all the while protecting your oral health, too. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell your body needs water. Here are four sneaky ways it could be asking you for help!
Unexpected Hunger
Throughout the day, it’s easy to recognize when you’re feeling hungry. In fact, even if you don’t feel pangs, most people tend to eat around the same time each day. However, if you find yourself wanting food between meals when you usually don’t, or if you’re ready for your regularly scheduled meal early, it could be due to dehydration. That’s because the hypothalamus, the area of your brain that signals the body you’re thirsty, is the same area that notifies you that you’re hungry! Thus, if you’re feeling unexpectedly famished, it could actually mean you need to drink some water!
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can be incredibly painful, and powerful enough to wake you from sleep. If your body is dehydrated, these sharp, shooting spasms could be a symptom. That’s because when you’re lacking essential hydration, your body’s supply of electrolytes becomes depleted, resulting in aches and painful stiffness. These cramps can be especially common among athletes and those who spend time performing strenuous physical activity in the heat, so be sure to drink plenty of water if you’re exerting yourself this summer!
Headaches
It may sound weird, but believe it or not, your brain tissue can temporarily shrink when you’re dehydrated, resulting in painful headaches. The good news is that drinking plenty of fluids this summer can help prevent this painful side-effect and can even help reverse a dehydration headache that’s already started.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is an essential substance for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria and even aids your body’s digestion system. However, when you’re dehydrated, it can affect your saliva levels, causing dry mouth. Although it may not seem that dangerous, this can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing your risk of oral health problems like bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease. Thus, if you notice your mouth isn’t feeling as moist as it should be, listen to your body and grab a glass of water.
Remember, while you may not always be aware of what’s going on inside, your body has many ways to indicate it needs hydration, and with record high temperatures registered around the world this summer, it’s important to be on the lookout for them. Thus, be sure to keep plenty of water on hand and stay out of excessive heat whenever possible to protect your oral and overall health.
About Dr. Cowell
Dr. Christoper Cowell earned his undergraduate degree at Stetson University and his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud, active member of a variety of prestigious oral health organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. To schedule your exam and cleaning, visit our website or call us today at 386-734-8585.