Oral Health and Sleep: How are They Connected?

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Oral Health and Sleep: How are They Connected?

Intro Sleep and it's relation to oral health All people should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. If they do not get that, they may feel groggy and grumpy for days. If a person continues to have sleep issues, it may start to affect their daily activities. Being sleep deprived can impair decision-making skills, memory function, and productivity. It can also cause increased inflammation, higher blood pressure, and mental health issues.

In many cases, being sleep deprived is thought to be a consequence of an overactive brain and stress. However, there is a connection between being sleep deprived and having poor oral health.

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How Oral Health Affects Your Teeth There is a significant connection between poor oral health and sleeping. Issues from poor oral health that can affect sleeping include: • Respiratory ailments. When there is a build-up of bacteria in the oral cavity, it can be introduced to the lungs. This can cause all sorts of respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. Trouble breathing can lead to you not being able to sleep well each night.

• OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea is where your tongue and throat relax, causing a blockage.

This will lead to loud snoring, choking, and gasping for air. It can cause reflux, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Snoring and dry mouth can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

• Bruxism. Bruxism is where you grind your teeth through the night. It can cause a person to wake up at night and not enter the deep sleep cycle. Teeth grinding does not just cause problems with your sleeping. It can lead to teeth sensitivity and a sore jaw.

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How to Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep A person who wants to ensure that they are getting a good night’s sleep will regularly see their dentist. Regular dental care should occur every six months. During your exam, a patient can speak with a doctor about their overall oral health. Any issues that they have can be addressed at this appointment. If any concerns come up in between appointments, a person should schedule an immediate appointment.

Oral health care must be the top priority for everyone to get the right amount of sleep. Regular dental appointments, avoiding sugar, and brushing regularly can help to prevent oral issues. The minute an issue is suspected, an appointment with the dentist should be made.

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Thank You! Martin Urban

MartinUrbanDDS.net