I am very impressed with the service and care from all personal at Oakmont Advanced Dentistry. From the moment I entered the office for my 6-month cleaning/exam, I was greeted by friendly receptionist, and then taken to exam room by technician, who was very pleasant. She explained what she was going to do (X-rays) and was very careful while doing so. The hygienist was excellent! She was so careful and meticulous with cleaning, being careful not to damage the gum tissue. I met the dentist who was most welcoming and did a great exam, and made recommendations and explained them. When I left, all office staff in front were so nice, and I told them how impressed I was with the way the office was run. Highly recommend!
As the temperature rises during the summer months, staying properly hydrated becomes increasingly important—not just for your overall health, but specifically for your oral health. At Oakmont Advanced Dentistry, we’re committed to helping your entire family maintain optimal dental wellness through every season. Let’s explore why paying special attention to your summer water intake can significantly impact your smile.
The Science of Saliva
Your mouth’s first line of defense against decay isn’t your toothbrush—it’s your saliva. This remarkable fluid:
- Continuously washes away food particles and bacteria
- Contains enzymes that begin breaking down food
- Delivers calcium, fluoride, and phosphate to strengthen teeth
- Neutralizes acids that would otherwise erode enamel
- Helps prevent bad breath and oral infections
When you become dehydrated, your body reduces saliva production to conserve water. With less saliva, your mouth becomes an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to flourish, significantly increasing your risk for cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Summer Activities That Accelerate Dehydration
Summer presents unique challenges to staying hydrated. Our Oakmont Advanced Dentistry team often sees patients experiencing oral health issues related to:
Outdoor Exercise: Whether you’re playing beach volleyball, hiking local trails, or simply gardening, summer activities increase perspiration and fluid loss.
Air Conditioning: While it keeps us comfortable, AC continually removes moisture from the air, contributing to dehydration and dry mouth.
Travel: Family road trips and air travel can disrupt normal drinking patterns and increase dehydration risk.
Alcoholic Beverages: Summer cocktails, beer, and wine may be refreshing, but alcohol is a diuretic that increases water loss.
Swimming: Surprisingly, swimming can lead to dehydration as people often don’t realize they’re sweating while in the water.
Warning Signs Your Mouth Is Dehydrated
Your mouth often shows signs of dehydration before you feel thirsty. Watch for these indicators:
- A sticky or dry feeling in your mouth
- Reduced or thickened saliva
- Persistent bad breath despite brushing
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cracked or chapped lips
- More frequent canker sores
- Tongue that feels rough or appears coated
If young children in your family show these symptoms, they may not recognize or report them, making it especially important for parents to monitor hydration.
Optimal Hydration Strategies for Dental Health
At Oakmont Advanced Dentistry, we recommend these practical approaches to maintaining proper hydration throughout summer:
The 8×8 Rule, Updated: Rather than the standard eight 8-ounce glasses daily, consider your individual needs based on weight, activity level, and climate. Many adults actually need more during summer months.
Strategic Timing: Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to rehydrate after overnight fluid loss, and have water before, during, and after exercise.
Smart Hydration Choices: Not all fluids contribute equally to hydration. Water remains the gold standard, while sugary drinks and certain teas can actually promote dehydration.
Hydration Accessories: Invest in insulated water bottles for each family member that keep water cold throughout the day—cold water tends to encourage more frequent sipping.
Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon (92 percent water), cucumber (95 percent water), and strawberries (91 percent water) into summer meals and snacks.
Special Considerations for Different Age Groups
Children: Kids are particularly vulnerable to dehydration as they may not recognize thirst cues and lose proportionally more fluid through sweat. Make hydration fun with colorful bottles, fruit-infused water, or frozen water pops.
Teenagers: Active teens involved in summer sports need significant water intake. Encourage hydration by explaining how it impacts athletic performance and appearance (like clearer skin).
Adults: For busy parents, set hydration reminders on your phone or use smart water bottles that track intake.
Seniors: As we age, thirst sensation diminishes. Older family members should follow a regular hydration schedule rather than relying on feeling thirsty.
When to See Your Dentist
If you experience persistent dry mouth despite proper hydration, it may indicate an underlying condition or medication side effect. Our team can provide personalized recommendations, including specialized rinses or products designed to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Your Summer Hydration Partners
This summer, make proper hydration a family priority. Your teeth and gums will benefit, contributing to healthier smiles and fewer dental problems. Remember, prevention through simple daily habits like staying hydrated remains the most effective dental care strategy.
At Oakmont Advanced Dentistry, we’re here to support your family’s oral health throughout every season. Have questions about how hydration impacts your specific dental conditions? Call our office today at 412-206-6825 to get answers or make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer.