An old Irish proverb goes, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything”. These simple yet profound words are all the more relevant today in an ultra-fast, stressful and demanding world.
If we enjoy our peaceful dose of 40 winks every night, our body is rejuvenated, our mind is tranquil, and our heart is healed. And yet, how many of us can claim to enjoy this restful yet revitalizing type of sleep every night? Sadly, not too many!
You may be surprised to discover the direct correlation between sleep and your oral health. In fact, sometimes a seasoned dentist may be able to identify the root cause of your sleep disorders quicker than a therapist! Read on to explore the big connection between the quality of your sleep and the state of your oral health.
- Bruxism
We all tend to grind our teeth when faced with unpleasant situations. But if we do this through the night, perhaps triggered by the fear or anxiety we experience during our dreams and nightmares, it can significantly bring down the quality of our sleep. This condition of continuous teeth grinding during sleep is called Bruxism.
Its effect is twofold:
- The body is continuously disturbed, thus interfering with its ability to fall into restful sleep. This also keeps your mind in an agitated state.
- The persistent grinding affects your teeth and overall oral health. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic jaw and teeth related disorders.
Fortunately, an experienced dentist will be able to identify the root problem in just one visit. They may even suggest the use of a night guard to protect your jaw, your teeth, and that all important dose of daily sleep.
- Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where your breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep. Symptoms can include snoring, chronic fatigue during the day (due to lack of restful sleep), dry mouth, headache, etc. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious breathing problems eventually leading to a heart or lung failure!
Again, your dentist may be able surprise you with a very simple solution – the use of a mouth guard to align your jaw. When the jaw is properly aligned, there is less possibility of it “slacking off” to disturb your breathing. With continued use, this benefit also carries forward during the night, to bless you with the possibility of deep, relaxing sleep.
- Cavities and potential tooth decay
There are many foods and lifestyle habits that can trigger cavities and tooth decay (like smoking, excessive drinking, sugar, etc.). If left untreated, they can create a vicious cycle of rotten teeth, bad breath, dry mouth, sleep apnea, bruxism, periodontal disease, and so on – all impacting the quality of your sleep and eventually the quality of your day.
This is another reason dentists recommend frequent cleaning to address all unattended cavities and potential tooth decay. With this, you turn the corner into a virtuous cycle, leading to better oral health, fresh breath, balanced teeth, less disturbance at night (due to teeth grinding), and thus better rest. Also, your dentist may recommend the use of a gum hydrant if you find yourself frequently waking up at night due to a dry mouth. Talk to one of the dentists at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry : dentist near Roswell, Georgia if you have any concerns about oral health.
In closing, your oral health plays a big role in determining the quality of your sleep.