When you think about looking after your oral health, you think about brushing and flossing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, using mouthwash and visiting the dentist. Of course, these are all important, but what counters these oral routine elements is certain lifestyle factors. One of those factors in focus is the quality of your sleep.
Sleep may be the last thing you think about when it comes to how it impacts your oral health. A good nights sleep ensures that our body gets a chance to rest, meaning restoring vital functions so they operate strongly the next day, keeps stress levels low and keeps your heart healthy.
Your sleeping habits naturally impact your sleep cycle, and yes, a lack of quality sleep can increase the chances of developing chronic diseases and impacts your oral health with conditions such as a dry socket and gum disease.
So, what are the links between sleep and oral health?
A Strong Immune System To Fight Off Infections
Our immune system protects us from illness by fighting off harmful bacteria and infections. With a quality nights sleep, our immune system remains charged through the production of cytokines, a protein to propel the immune system. If our mouths are filled with bacteria, the immune system will be triggered to ensure no infections occur from the bacteria. If your immune system is weak, the bacteria can accumulate and introduce gum disease and tooth decay.
Poor Sleep Introduces Periodontitis
The amount of sleep you get is actually connected to gum disease, specifically periodontitis, a condition where deep pockets develop between your gums and teeth due to gum recession. The teeth become exposed and loose. Bacteria can also penetrate inside and destroy the underlying bone.
Quality Sleep Strengthens Enamel
Sleep is linked to the recovery of your blood vessels. The foods you eat, particularly calcium and phosphate, would then be absorbed by the bone tissue of your teeth. These properties help to strengthen your tooth enamel for your smile to stay strong.
Poor Sleep Causes Dry Mouth
Many people suffer from a condition called sleep apnea, which contributes to poor quality of sleep because the condition involves narrow airways causing breathing to become disrupted. This can introduce dry mouth, where excess breathing through the mouth can cause your mouth to become dry due to low saliva levels.
Tips To Get Maintain Quality Sleep and Oral Health
A good nights sleep is very beneficial but super important too. In order to keep sleep and oral health both in good conditions, follow these tips:
- Always brush and floss your teeth before bed
- Avoid any form of snacking before going to sleep without rinsing your mouth
- Eat a balanced diet and cut down on sugars
- Less focus on technologies just before bed
- Sleep eight hours a day minimum
- Set a sleep routine as a priority
- Try herbal remedies to get a good night sleep
If you’re seeking support with sleep and oral health, then we can help, simply get in touch with us at Integrated Smiles today by clicking here.
