Imagine waking up each day with swollen, bleeding gums that make it painful to brush and floss or dealing with toothaches and sensitivity that make it hard to enjoy your favorite foods. The consequences of poor sleep on your oral health can be debilitating, affecting your ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently.
Getting a good night's sleep is about more than just feeling refreshed in the morning. Did you know that the quality of your sleep can profoundly impact the health of your teeth and gums?
Please keep reading to learn more about how sleep affects your oral health.
The Link between Sleep and Oral Health
There is a direct connection between how well you sleep and your oral health. Whether oral health issues such as tooth decay or gum disease keep you from sleeping well or medical concerns affect the quality of your sleep, it’s essential to seek treatment.
Some of the dental issues that disrupt sleep include the following:
- Sleep apnea — When your throat muscles relax and block your airway, you can stop breathing, forcing you to wake up. This cessation of breathing, known as obstructive sleep apnea, can cause daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and mood changes.
- Bruxism — This condition, also known as teeth grinding, often occurs when you’re sleeping. Bruxism can lead to headaches, tooth damage, and jaw issues. All of these can make getting the rest you need more challenging.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder — TMJ disorders are caused when there is an issue with your jaw joints. This painful condition can readily disrupt your sleep, but treatment is available! We can customize a mouthguard to ease your discomfort and help you get the sleep you’ve been missing.
Questions about Sleep Quality in Scottsdale, AZ?
If you need more information about how sleep affects your oral and overall health, we’d be happy to assist you! At Dynamite Smiles Dentistry, we understand the connection between sleep quality and oral health, and we can form a treatment plan to help you get the rest you deserve.
To make an appointment, contact our dental office at (480) 591-8111. We look forward to hearing from you.