Sleep and Your Oral Health

Sleep and Your Oral Health

by | Oct 3, 2024 | Oral Health

sleep and your oral health gregorin dental anchorage alaska dentistA difficult night’s sleep can lead to a long day, and studies have found relationships between total hours of sleep, sleep quality, and overall health.

However, you might not know that your sleep can actually affect your teeth and oral health, and when certain issues arise, a trip to the dentist is essential.

Teeth Grinding

One of the greatest oral health concerns involved with sleep is bruxism – or grinding the teeth. Dentists and researchers don’t know exactly what causes some people to grind their teeth at night, but certain factors like medications, stress, anxiety, and dental problems could all be contributors. When you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep, you could develop cracks, chips, and breakage, and you might even experience decay as a result of acid erosion.

Unfortunately, when you clench and grind your teeth, your problems aren’t restricted to just your mouth. Many people with this problem suffer from headaches and pain in the facial region. Additionally, you could notice your face aging faster than normal if your teeth are shortened or otherwise damaged.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal disorder that disrupts the sleep, and snoring is a top sign. Sleep apnea and snoring also cause dry mouth, and without an adequate saliva supply in your mouth, tooth decay could occur. This is because saliva plays an important role in our oral health, as it cleanses and rinses the teeth.

This can minimize the accumulation of plaque while washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. Without this saliva, you would be at a greater risk for tooth decay, and that’s exactly what happens when sleep apnea causes your mouth to dry out.

If you are suffering from a sleep problem that might be affecting your oral health, give our office a call. We can evaluate your condition and work to find an effective treatment option.

8 Signs That You Need to See Your Dentist

8 Signs That You Need to See Your Dentist

Nobody particularly likes going to the dentist. Even if you floss regularly and brush your teeth twice a day, it’s important for proper oral health that you schedule regular dentist appointments. Teeth are prone to having problems and without seeing a dentist...

Read More
5 Easy Ways for Improving Your Oral Hygiene

5 Easy Ways for Improving Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is about more than a bright white smile. It is also about a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth that do not hurt, cause infections, or cost a lot to fix. The confidence that comes from an attractive smile can affect every aspect of a person’s...

Read More
Top 6 Reasons People Avoid the Dentist

Top 6 Reasons People Avoid the Dentist

A visit to the dental office is not on anyone’s list of fun adventures, but many people still go to their yearly check-ups or, at least, make appointments when they have a toothache or other concern. Those who put it off or never go at all invite serious oral...

Read More
Creating Even Spaces Between Your Teeth

Creating Even Spaces Between Your Teeth

Do you have uneven gaps between some of your teeth? This can be a problem. Some teeth are pushed so tightly together that they are hard to get clean, and other teeth are so far apart that it can be painful and unsightly to some. If you want to have a more balanced...

Read More
8 Signs That You Need to See Your Dentist

8 Signs That You Need to See Your Dentist

Nobody particularly likes going to the dentist. Even if you floss regularly and brush your teeth twice a day, it’s important for proper oral health that you schedule regular dentist appointments. Teeth are prone to having problems and without seeing a dentist...

Read More
5 Easy Ways for Improving Your Oral Hygiene

5 Easy Ways for Improving Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is about more than a bright white smile. It is also about a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth that do not hurt, cause infections, or cost a lot to fix. The confidence that comes from an attractive smile can affect every aspect of a person’s...

Read More
Top 6 Reasons People Avoid the Dentist

Top 6 Reasons People Avoid the Dentist

A visit to the dental office is not on anyone’s list of fun adventures, but many people still go to their yearly check-ups or, at least, make appointments when they have a toothache or other concern. Those who put it off or never go at all invite serious oral...

Read More

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Experience the Art of Uncompromised Dentistry at Gregorin Dental. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care, ensuring that your smile is both beautiful and functional.