01 Jun Ten Signs You Don’t Drink Enough Water
Do you know how much water you drink in a day? Can you remember when you last took a sip from your water bottle? Does your mouth feel dry right now?
Most people walk around mildly dehydrated every single day and have no idea. In fact, an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated but don’t realize it. Are you one of them? Here’s how to tell.
10 Signs You Don’t Drink Enough Water
- Dry or sticky mouth: When it’s chronic, it’s a medical condition. But most of the time, it’s because you’re thirsty.
- Chapped lips: It’s hard to get away from chapped lips when you live in a dry, sunny climate, especially at high altitude. But dry lips are often a sign of mild dehydration, so every time you feel like you need some lip balm, drink a little water, too.
- Dark yellow urine: This is a definite sign that your body is low on water. It’s a warning sign that it’s time to hydrate!
- Persistent bad breath: The bacteria that cause plaque also cause bad breath, and they can multiply more quickly in a dry mouth.
- Tooth sensitivity: Chronic dry mouth often leads to gum disease. When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth get exposed, which makes them sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- Headaches: Dehydration is one of the most common headache triggers.
- Fatigue: Your body slows way down when it doesn’t get enough water. Stop running on empty! If you’re feeling tired, rest a few minutes while you drink some water.
- Difficulty concentrating: Even mild dehydration affects mood and brain function.
- Dry, flaky skin: Like your lips, your skin is a good mirror for checking your hydration.
- Frequent cavities: If you keep getting new cavities despite good brushing, chronic dry mouth might be the reason.
How to Stay Hydrated If You Don’t Like Drinking Water
Most people need to drink 8 – 12 cups (64 – 96 ounces) of water every day. Other drinks like coffee, tea, juice, and soda do not count toward that goal.
But advice like “Just drink more water!” isn’t helpful. If water tastes boring to you, or you just never remember to drink water, here are some practical ways to make it easier.
- Add sliced cucumber, mint, lemon, or berries to your water for natural flavor, or make a sugar-free agua fresca.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers.
- Carry an insulated water bottle in your bag, especially if you’re headed outdoors in the heat. Cold water can be lifesaving in Arizona!
- Set a phone reminder or use an app to help you remember to drink water at certain times of day.
- Make a habit of drinking a glass of water after every meal. It’s a great way to keep your mouth hydrated, your teeth clean, and your saliva pH balanced.
Why Hydration Is Important for Dental Health
When your mouth is dry, plaque increases, and so does your risk of cavities and gum disease. So if you want healthy teeth, drink more water!
Your saliva is almost entirely made up of water, and it helps keep your mouth clean. It’s your first line of defense against cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
Chronic dry mouth poses several risks that are directly linked to not drinking enough water. Even mild dehydration can impair saliva flow. And without its constant protection throughout the day, tooth decay and gum infections become much more likely.
If You’re Not Drinking Enough Water, Your Mouth Will Tell You First
Dehydration often shows up in your mouth before anywhere else. Pay attention to signs like chapped lips and bad breath, and take them as a cue to drink more water. If you feel thirsty, drink water, and carry a water bottle with you when you leave your house. Staying hydrated in Arizona isn’t always easy, so if you need to, set yourself a reminder.
And if you need a dental cleaning to remove plaque buildup from dry mouth, we can help. Schedule an appointment at Prescott Dentistry today.
Photo by Amanda María on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/25/26.