While summer is a wonderful time of year devoid of homework and full of warm weather, barbeques, and adventures, it also comes with an increased risk of dehydration. Drinking enough water is crucial at any stage of life, and dehydration can often be hard to spot in children. Here are a few tips from your dentist for recognizing when your child needs to drink a few more glasses of H2O during the summer months.
Bad Breath or Dry Mouth
When the body does not have enough water to function normally, it cuts back on its saliva production. This results not only in dry mouth, but also bad breath since saliva plays a crucial role in the mouth’s natural cleaning process. Saliva helps flush away food debris and contains substances that inhibit bacterial reproduction, and a lack of it can lead to an accumulation of decomposing food matter and harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. If your child’s breath isn’t fresh and their mouth is dry, try having them drink a glass of water or two.
Dark Urine
The color of a person’s urine can say a lot about how hydrated they are. Ideally, a person’s urine should be light yellow. If it is a bold or a dark yellow, it may be because the body does not have enough water, causing this liquid waste product to be more concentrated. However, urine that is too clear may mean that the body is overhydrated. If your child’s urine is darker than it should be, it may be a great time to give them a glass of water or two to enjoy.
A General Feeling of Unwellness
Water is necessary for every process within the body, so a lack of it can lead to many different uncomfortable feelings. If your child isn’t feeling well and exhibits flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea, it may be because they have not consumed enough water lately. If fever or chills are present, it may be a case of moderate to severe dehydration. Give the kid a few glasses of water and see what happens before assuming that your kid has caught a germ.
Dehydration can be an insidious little menace that causes major consequences for your child’s overall health. Keeping an eye out for these signs and making sure they drink enough water can help them have a wonderful summer.
About the Practice
Sprout Dentistry for Kids of McKinney offers the best pediatric dental services in McKinney, TX. Led by Drs. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo, the staff delivers effective treatments in a compassionate and kid-friendly environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on preventing dehydration and its oral health consequences, contact the office online or dial (469) 813-7127.