{"id":488,"date":"2022-07-21T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=488"},"modified":"2022-08-02T15:00:55","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T15:00:55","slug":"3-sneaky-signs-of-dehydration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/3-sneaky-signs-of-dehydration\/","title":{"rendered":"Look Out for These 3 Signs of Dehydration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This year\u2019s summer is one of the hottest Texas has seen in a while. Many counties have been sending out Heat Advisories since June. Meanwhile, July alone has seen record-high temperatures in multiple Southwest cities. Basically, it\u2019s an absolute scorcher putting you at risk of dehydration. That\u2019s bad news for your body, and not just because being dehydrated makes you thirsty \u2014 it can also harm your teeth<\/a>. Read on to learn three sneaky signs of dehydration, its impact on oral health, and tips on keeping hydrated this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3 Sneaky Signs of Dehydration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Feeling thirsty and sweaty aren\u2019t the only signs you\u2019re dehydrated. In fact, there are sneakier signs that are easy to miss. Look out for the three below in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscle Spasms\/Cramps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration and lacking electrolytes cause your body to lose minerals like sodium and potassium. As a result, you\u2019ll have unbalanced pH levels and lose some control over your nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark Pee\/Urine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your body\u2019s organs conserve water when you\u2019re dehydrated. Consequently, your urine will become more concentrated and take on a darker coloring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words: If it\u2019s pale yellow, you\u2019re hydrated. Have a glass of water or two if it’s a darker yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flu-ish Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration can cause symptoms flu-like symptoms. That means stuff like fever, chills, lightheadedness, and nausea can appear even when you don\u2019t have the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Dehydration Affect Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When dehydrated, your body produces less saliva than usual. This decreased production can lead to dry mouth and the growth of harmful mouth bacteria. As such, a lack of saliva increases your risk of dental diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, a dry mouth can make your teeth weaker. Saliva bathes the latter with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which are minerals that strengthen enamel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Hydration Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To avoid the adverse effects of dehydration, you should always stay hydrated. Therefore, practice these habits as best you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n