On average, a person could not survive more than five days without water. As the weather outside gets warmer, your need for water increases. Water keeps you energized, healthy, and strong. In honor of Drinking Water Week (May 6-12), Dr. Pate wants to make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep your body and mouth hydrated this summer.

Dehydration

The human body is made up of 55-75% water. Your body loses water through sweating, urination, and exhaling. When you don’t replace the water your body is losing, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause muscle weakness, cramping, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other body weaknesses. However, dehydration affects your mouth, too. A lack of moisture in your mouth can lead to dry mouth and dry lips.

Oral Health Benefits of Water

Drinking water strengthens your body and flushes out toxins. It also helps keep your mouth and smile healthy. Water helps moisturize your skin to leave your lips soft.  Moisture in the mouth is necessary to rinse your mouth of food and bacteria and neutralize the pH level in your mouth, which helps fight tooth decay, enamel erosion, gum disease, and bad breath. Furthermore, tap water often contains fluoride, which is necessary for remineralizing your tooth enamel. Many of your favorite fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water and nutrients. For example, oranges are a great source of vitamin C to strengthen your gums, but they’re also about 87% water!

The general rule for water intake is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, hot weather, humidity, illness, and vigorous physical activity will increase the amount of water your body needs to stay healthy. Dr. Pate can help you maintain a healthy and hydrated mouth this summer.  Contact Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424 to schedule an appointment.  We welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Lenox, Brookhaven, Atlanta, and the nearby areas.