Are You Dehydrated?

In hot weather, the body’s demand for water rises, and without sufficient intake, this can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache, dry skin, and in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It is crucial to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially during hot and humid conditions, to maintain proper body function and prevent dehydration-related health issues, including oral health problems. Older adults, infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat-related health issues and should take special care.

The most common signs of dehydration:

Bad breath: If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t produce the daily two-to-four pints of saliva necessary to stay healthy. Saliva is the mouth’s major defense against tooth decay, and also helps to control the detrimental bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your mouth. Too little saliva can cause accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, oral sores and pain, bad breath and even interfere with your ability to taste. Bad breath or a dry, sticky mouth are both signs that you may be dehydrated.

Hunger: Mild dehydration can feel like hunger when it’s actually your body’s desperate attempt to get you fluid.

Fatigue/low energy: Feeling tired can be a sign of dehydration. It can also indicate that your body wants to take it slow and easy when exposed to high temperatures. You may also find it difficult to sleep when it’s hot outside, resulting in fatigue. Whatever the cause, staying hydrated will help you feel better.

No Sweat: Sweating is the bodies natural way of cooling down and regulating our internal core temperature. If we aren’t hydrated the body will stop sweating. This is a dangerous condition, as our bodies can’t cool themselves off, raising the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Dark colored urine: Clear or light-colored urine is a good indicator that you are well hydrated. Dark yellow or amber color is a signal that your body is dehydrated.

Dry skin: Dehydration manifests itself quickly in the skin. Signs of dehydration are tight, itchy, flakey, or uncomfortable feeling skin.

Vaping: A common side effect of vaping is a dry mouth. Vaping contains propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) which are humectants which may cause mouth dryness. Mouth dryness can produce bad breath, mouth sores and even cause tooth decay.

Headache: When you’re severely dehydrated your brain tissue loses water causing your brain to shrink and pull away from your skull. Additionally, dehydration also lowers the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain, causing blood vessels in the brain to dilate. Your brain – which is 80% water – responds to this alarming state by triggering pain receptors, which gives you a headache.

Think you’re dehydrated? Give yourself a pinch

Apart from the symptoms above, another way that you can check your hydration is called the “pinch” test: Gently pinch the skin of the back of your hand so that it resembles a tiny tent and hold it for a few seconds, then release. If the little tent stays raised for more than 5 seconds, there’s a good chance that you are dehydrated.

Dehydration and oral health problems

Sometimes dry mouth is caused by a health condition or medication and can’t be managed simply by increasing your fluid intake. Regular dental care is so important if your mouth tends to be dry. A dentist can help you manage the condition and can also work with you to prevent any problems, like tooth decay, that can be caused by dry mouth.

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