Sleep is crucial for oral health because when you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s immune system becomes weaker, making you more susceptible to gum disease and other oral infections. The proper amount of sleep supports your overall well-being. If your sleep is suffering, your oral health may be suffering as well.
Sleep Affects Your Oral Health
Oral health is greatly affected by a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues with gums or sensitive teeth and an overall discomfort in our mouths, even mouth ulcers. Gum disease has been found to worsen when you are deprived of sleep.
Sleep affects your oral health in several ways:
- Immune System Function: Adequate sleep allows your body to effectively fight off bacteria that contribute to gum disease and oral infections. As a result of poor sleep, your body can become inflammatory, which can accelerate periodontal disease.
- Inflammation: Lack of sleep can increase inflammation throughout the body. When your gums become inflamed, gum disease can worsen.
- Saliva Production: When you are deprived of sleep, your hormones become imbalanced. This can reduce saliva production, which is essential for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids in the mouth.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Stress from poor sleep can lead to teeth grinding, which can damage tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Bruxism can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder when clenching is included.
How Oral Health Affects Your Sleep
Poor oral health can significantly affect your sleep by causing discomfort from toothaches, gum pain, and infections. When your mouth is experiencing distress, it becomes difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can also contribute to sleep disorders like sleep apnea if you have obstructed airways caused by misaligned teeth or excess oral tissues. Essentially, any dental issue that causes pain and discomfort can disrupt your sleep cycle.
How to Improve Oral Health Through Better Sleep
These are some tips on how to get better sleep and, so, improve your oral health:
- Regular Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm.
- Nighttime Oral Hygiene: Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before bed to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
- Limit Late-Night Eating: Don’t eat past 8:00 p.m. if you are going to bed at 10:00 p.m. Avoid sugary snacks and acidic drinks close to bedtime.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress that can disrupt sleep.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluids close to bedtime.
- Consider a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, consult your dentist about wearing a mouthguard at night.
In Summary
Our bodily systems are interconnected. Oral health and sleep illustrate this relationship perfectly. By prioritizing your sleep and practicing diligent oral care, you can create a positive circuit that benefits your mouth and your overall health, and therefore your quality of life.
Contact Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry to Schedule a Dental Checkup
At Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry, our team is committed to taking an overall holistic approach to your oral health. We are currently accepting new patients. Reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at 919-600-6262 and our Cary dentist office at 919-467-2203, or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.