---
title: Dehydration and How it Affects Your Teeth
description: Dehydration doesn't just affect your body -- it affects your oral health as well! Learn about what happens to your mouth and how to keep yourself hydrated!
image: https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Dehydration%20and%20How%20it%20Affects%20Your%20Teeth.jpeg
---

[![Solstice Logo](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vonazon/solstice-benefits-broker-blog-template1-logo-216x76.png?width=216&name=solstice-benefits-broker-blog-template1-logo-216x76.png "Solstice Logo")](https://www.solsticebenefits.com/)

# Oral & Vision Health Blog

![sporty woman resting on a bench drinking water](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Dehydration%20and%20How%20it%20Affects%20Your%20Teeth.jpeg)

# Dehydration and How it Affects Your Teeth

By Brittany Flax on Sep 17, 2018 @ 05:02 PM

Running to work, getting the kids ready for school and keeping up with daily chores -- we're constantly on-the-go. While trying to keep up with our busy schedules, staying hydrated isn't always the first thing on our minds. However, did you know that dehydration doesn't just affect your body? It has a negative impact on your oral health as well! 

[What does dehydration cause](https://sandgfamilydentistry.com/blog/dont-let-dehydration-hurt-summer-smile/)?

**Cavities**

When your mouth isn't producing the amount of saliva it normally does, food particles get trapped. Bacteria attaches to these particles and produces a type of acid that erodes holes in your enamel. As the bacteria starts to multiply, cavities begin to form.  

**Gum Disease**

Just as bacteria creates an acid that erodes your enamel (cavities), the same could be done to your gums without the proper amount of saliva. If this worsens, you have a higher risk of infecting your gums and developing gum disease.

**Bad Breath**

Known as [halitosis](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halitosis), less saliva flow causes bad breath. Similar to cavities and gum disease, saliva plays a large role in how your mouth is affected when dehydrated. If you’ve ever drank coffee or alcohol, you know what it’s like to be dehydrated after. This allows for the particles to build up and causes bad odor.

**Weaker Enamel**

Saliva helps keep your teeth strong. It contains certain amounts of calcium and other minerals such as [bicarbonate and phosphate](https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7168_Saliva_Stimulation_Patient_Pamphlet.pdf). Without the production of saliva, your teeth and enamel tend to grow weaker.

According to researchers at [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256?_ga=2.100430364.345926098.1536674580-50435242.1533846610), the amount of water intake each day should be 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters for men & 11.5 cups or 2.7 liters for women. This can be consumed through a combination of different foods and beverages.

Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your busy day! If you feel like these issues persist after upping your water consumption, consult with your dentist and see what solutions they may be able to provide for you.

 Concerned about having bad breath? Check out our 6-step guide on how you can fight it! 

Share this with a friend:

[![Share on Facebook](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Solstice-1.png?width=24&name=Solstice-1.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solsticebenefits-social-linkedin-blue-1.png?width=24&name=solsticebenefits-social-linkedin-blue-1.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solsticebenefits-social-twitter-blue-1.png?width=24&name=solsticebenefits-social-twitter-blue-1.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Dehydration%20and%20How%20it%20Affects%20Your%20Teeth) [![Share on Pinterest](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solsticebenefits-social-pinterest-blue-1.png?width=24&name=solsticebenefits-social-pinterest-blue-1.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solsticebenefits-social-email-blue.png?width=24&name=solsticebenefits-social-email-blue.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.solsticebenefits.com%2Fsolstice-member-blog%2Fdehydration-and-how-it-affects-your-teeth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

[![New Call-to-Action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/215049/1e38c16d-1f5a-4ca9-aae4-9a28b16b996c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/215049/1e38c16d-1f5a-4ca9-aae4-9a28b16b996c)

##### comments

0

### subscribe

Please fill in the form below to subscribe to our blog

[![Free eBook Dental Care Through the Ages Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/215049/6ceecd6f-d073-4250-b92c-450666a7ca86.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/215049/6ceecd6f-d073-4250-b92c-450666a7ca86)

[![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/215049/9485a37a-17fb-4001-bfd7-9dc92baed65a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/215049/9485a37a-17fb-4001-bfd7-9dc92baed65a)

### blog categories

- [oral health (36)](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/topic/oral-health)
- [dental care (18)](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/topic/dental-care)
- [child oral health (14)](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/topic/child-oral-health)
- [dental health (12)](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/topic/dental-health)
- [Eye Health (11)](https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/topic/eye-health)

© Copyright 2024  - “Solstice” is the brand name for plans, products, and services provided by the subsidiaries and affiliate companies of Solstice Benefits, Inc. Plans, products, and services are provided by one or more Solstice entities. Not all plans, products, and services are available in each state. Solstice legal entities include: Solstice Benefits, Inc., Solstice Health Insurance Company, Solstice Healthplans, Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Arizona, Inc., Solstice of Illinois, Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Ohio, Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Texas, Inc., Solstice of New York, Inc., Solstice Administrators, Inc., Solstice Administrators of Alabama, Inc., Solstice Administrators of Arizona, Inc., Solstice of Minnesota, Inc., Solstice Administrators of Missouri, Inc., Solstice Administrators of North Carolina, Inc., Solstice Administrators of Texas, Inc., Claims Management Systems, Inc. Administrative Office for all Solstice entities: 7901 SW 6th Ct., Ste. 400, Plantation, FL 33324. 954.370.1700. www.solsticebenefits.com