As life gets faster and more overwhelming, many people no longer get enough sleep. However, lack of sufficient sleep is bad for your health. It may be detrimental to your dental health. If you need help with dental sleep care, consider seeking the help of Barry Chase, DDS. The following are a few ways in which sleep deprivation may harm your dental health.
Sleep Promotes Tissue Repair
Getting sufficient sleep helps in tissue repair. It leaves you feeling refreshed and energetic. When sleeping, your body uses less energy. Your body parts, including the teeth, have time to rejuvenate. As a result, it improves your dental health.
Periodontitis
Poor sleep has been linked to periodontitis. It is a condition where pockets develop between your teeth and gums. As a result, your teeth may start moving around freely. Lack of enough sleep is said to be a major cause of the problem. The less sleep you get, the more likely you are to get periodontitis.
Bruxism, Depression, and Anxiety Disorder
If you have a chronic condition of poor sleep, your risk of getting anxiety disorder or depression increases significantly. It also increases your risk of bruxism, a condition where you grind your teeth in your sleep. Poor sleep may cause or worsen bruxism.
It reduces the natural immune responses of your body and increases your risk of gum disease.
Increased inflammation
Insufficient sleep may increase inflammation in your gums and body. It could increase your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. A research conducted by the Emory University School of Medicine suggests that your body produces an increased amount of inflammatory hormones when running on empty. Inflammation is not only bad for your oral health but also increases your risk of obesity, stroke, and heart disease. Failure to get sufficient sleep can wreak havoc on your entire body.
How to Sleep Better
Getting sufficient and quality sleep is easier than it may seem. Ideally, you should get seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night. The following tips may help:
Make it a priority to get enough sleep. There will always be something important to do but you have to know that sleep is important as well.
Dental problems such as grinding or clenching your teeth may affect the quality of your sleep. If you have any of them, talk to your dentist and find out if you can get help.
Come up with a sleep routine that works for you. It should be realistic and convenient for you. If you stick to a routine for some time, your body will adapt to it.
Avoid taking caffeinated or sweetened drinks a few hours before going to bed.
Make your sleeping area clean, quiet, and free of clutter.
If you have trouble falling asleep, try drinking some chamomile tea before bed to relax your body.
In conclusion, getting enough sleep is not only good for relaxation but also a simple way to prevent dental problems. It may help prevent periodontitis and gingivitis.
