It might sound like an old wives tale, but it is true that the amount and quality of your sleep can have an impact on your dental health. Read on to find out more about how sleep can affect your dental health and what you can do to avoid unnecessary expenses at the dentist.
There are a few ways in which getting enough good quality sleep can actually improve the health of your teeth. This includes giving your immune system enough strength to get rid of any bacteria in your body. Getting enough sleep also allows your body to repair any damage to blood vessels which, in turn, means that calcium, for example, can continue to be transported around the body effectively. This is important since these nutrients are essential for the reparation and strengthening of your enamel.
Going to bed late and therefore not getting enough sleep means that your body doesn’t have sufficient time to repair. Another common problem is sleep apnoea, which is when your breath continually stops and starts while you are asleep. This can cause tiredness and restless sleep which, in turn, disrupts your body’s ability to heal overnight.
Those who sleep with their mouth open are also likely to experience trouble with oral hygiene. A dry mouth and lack of saliva can leave your mouth much more prone to bacteria. Saliva is necessary to wash the dead cells from your cheeks and tongue as well as neutralise any harmful bacteria. Without this barrier, microorganisms are much more likely to cause havoc in your mouth.
The best thing to do if you’re diagnosed with sleep apnoea or any other sleep disorders that may cause problems with your dental hygiene is to speak to your dentist for advice. They will be able to work with you to understand your situation and try to work out solutions that will be best suited to help you.
Bruxism (grinding your teeth as you sleep) is another way your teeth can suffer damage. Regular grinding can begin to crack enamel as well as cause considerable jaw pain and headaches. One of the main causes of this is stress, alongside smoking, drugs, alcohol and caffeine. You may find that therapy and relaxation treatments combat the main cause of this, but there are also mouth guards available which are designed to reduce the impact of grinding on your teeth.
If you’re experiencing poor and interrupted sleep, we recommend heading to your dentist for a dental check-up and consultation.
At dental clinics such as Withers Dental, advice and treatments are available for a range of sleep conditions. Book an appointment with one of our dentists today to discuss the treatments available for your sleep concerns.
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