6 Tips to Boost Your Water Intake

If you don’t get enough water, you can develop dry mouth. This condition is not only uncomfortable, it’s bad for your dental health. Saliva is a natural cavity fighter that helps wash away the food debris and bacteria that cause decay. Dry mouth is more common in the summer, since we lose more moisture through perspiration. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to boost your water intake.

Eliminating dry mouth will not only improve your dental health but may improve your social life too! Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. You should try to consume 8-10 cups of water a day, even more if you are physically active.

Try our six tips to boost your water intake:

  • Have a Water-Based Beverage With Every Meal – Water itself is best. Milk and juice also contain water, so they aren’t bad choices. Enjoy one of these beverages with every meal.
  • Lower Your Consumption of Diuretics – Caffeinated drinks including tea, soda, and coffee are diuretics. That means they increase the amount of water excreted by your body. Limit your consumption of these beverages.
  • Add Flavor to Your Water – Add lemon or lime slices, chunks of melor or pineapple, or fresh berries to your water to give it a fruity flavor that may make you want to drink more. You can add even more flavor interest with fresh herbs like mint or thyme. Try these ideas to get started.
  • Order Water With Restaurant Meals – You know drinks at restaurants are expensive. Why not save money and calories and boost your water intake at the same time? Order water instead of tea, soda, or another drink.
  • Drink Before You’re Thirsty – If you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. The color of your urine will tell you if you are drinking enough. It should be pale yellow; if it is a darker color, you need to drink more water.
  • Keep Water With You – Make sure you take a reusable bottle or travel cup filled with water while you’re out running errands and on road trips. That way it’s easy to stay hydrated.

Drinking lots of water may result in better dental exams. If you need to schedule your next one, call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846. If you still suffer from dry mouth after you boost your water intake, our dentists will work with you to identify the underlying causes and can recommend products that will help.