Tossing and turning at night can be frustrating. Going through your day without having slept well is usually bad news for how well you function. Something you might not know is that poor sleep can also affect your oral health.
Here are some of the ways that poor sleep can impact your teeth and gums:
- Increases the risk of gum disease and inflammation
- Can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching at night
- May weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight oral infections
- Reduces saliva production, which protects against cavities
The Connection Between Sleep and Gum Disease
People who sleep fewer than seven hours a night may face higher risks of developing gum disease. When you don’t get enough sleep and allow your body the deep rest it needs, your body may struggle to fight inflammation and infection.
We all know firsthand that not getting enough sleep leads to daytime sleepiness and worse functioning. Poor sleep also leads to negative impacts that aren’t as apparent. Your immune system needs quality sleep to fight off infection. Without this essential component of health, the bacteria in your mouth multiply more easily. This can lead to gingivitis and potentially become periodontitis if not treated.
Teeth Grinding and Sleep Disorders
Many people grind their teeth at night without realising it. This is called bruxism and is often linked to poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like sleep apnoea. Grinding wears down your tooth enamel over time. It can also cause you to experience headaches, jaw pain, or damage to existing dental work.
If you wake up with a sore jaw or unexplained tooth sensitivity or pain, you may be grinding your teeth at night.
Dry Mouth During Sleep
Your mouth naturally creates less saliva while you sleep. Poor sleep quality only makes this worse. Saliva plays an important role in washing away food particles and keeping acids at bay that cause tooth decay.
Sleep-disordered breathing, like snoring and sleep apnoea, often cause mouth breathing, which can also dry out your mouth and create the conditions for cavities and bad breath.
Protecting Your Oral Health Whilst You Sleep
There are ways to protect your mouth at night. You might start by sticking with a consistent bedtime routine. Brush and floss before bed to get rid of bacteria that can multiply overnight. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals right before bedtime.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnoea or are grinding your teeth, visit our dental clinic in Mirrabooka. We can assess your symptoms and recommend solutions like custom night guards or sleep apnoea appliances.
Support Better Sleep and a Healthier Smile in Mirrabooka
A good night’s sleep supports your overall health, including your oral health. If you’re experiencing dental problems that might be related to poor sleep, we encourage you to contact our team at Western Smiles Dental Care. We can help you assess your concerns and talk about treatment options that may help to support your healthy smile.