The Relationship Between Your Sleep and Dental Health
Are you getting enough quality sleep every night? Studies have shown that there is a very close relationship between the way you sleep and your overall dental health. In fact, the position you sleep in can impact the health of your teeth and gums. In this blog, we will explore what happens when you don’t get enough sleep, and how it affects your dental health. Let’s dive in!
Your Mouth While You Sleep
During the night, your body goes through various cycles of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM stages. During these stages, your body’s muscles relax, including those in your mouth and jaw. This relaxation can cause a variety of problems if you are not sleeping in the correct position.
When you sleep on your back, your lower jaw tends to fall back, causing your tongue to block the airway and making it harder for you to breathe. This can lead to snoring or even sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night, which disrupts your sleep cycle.
On the other hand, when you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity pulls your jaw forward, causing it to hang open. This position can lead to dry mouth, as well as bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva production in the mouth, which is essential for keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
Bruxism and Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, commonly referred to as teeth grinding, is a condition that happens unconsciously. It can happen during the day or while sleeping, and if it’s ongoing, it can produce some unpleasant dental issues. If not addressed, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, chipped teeth, and even cracked or broken teeth. It also leads to gum recession and damage to jaw muscles. Bruxism happens more often when people are sleep-deprived, so it’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine to reduce pressure on your teeth.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a condition that happens when there’s not enough saliva production in the mouth. Saliva plays an important role in dental health as it helps to wash away food debris, plaque, and neutralize acids that are produced by bacteria. Saliva contains different enzymes that protect against tooth decay. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces less saliva, making you more vulnerable to oral infections like gum disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. When not treated on time, it can lead to tooth loss and other dental issues. Research has shown that people who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk of developing periodontitis. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces less antibodies to fight off infections, including gum disease. This means that lack of sleep makes the oral bacteria more active, powerful, and harms your dental health.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) are also one of the adverse effects of inadequate sleep on dental health. TMJ happens when the joint connecting your jawbone and skull becomes injured or damaged. Over-clenching and grinding your teeth puts tremendous strain on the joint and leads to TMJ disorder. This can cause headaches, jaw pain, and impaired chewing, which indirectly affects your dental health as well.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid moving up into the esophagus, and it’s more common when you lie down after a meal or when sleeping. Dental health can be greatly impacted by acid reflux, as it can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Chronic acid reflux can also cause painful inflammation of the esophagus. When you don’t get enough sleep, acid reflux can become more common, and this can make your dental health even worse.
Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including dental health. If you aren’t getting enough restful sleep, your body may be more prone to the dental issues mentioned above. You can take the necessary steps to ensure you are sleeping enough hours each night, and address any related sleep disorders to protect your dental health. Speak with your dentist, sleep specialist or physician as necessary to determine the best ways to get better sleep and improve your oral health. Remember, a good night’s rest goes a long way in taking care of your teeth and gums.
Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental Today
At Young Family Dental, we care about your dental health and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any dental concerns or questions you may have. We are committed to providing quality care and helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how sleep affects your dental health and what you can do to improve it