There is nothing as replenishing for the body as a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, every now and then, we all experience issues with sleep that may come from different causes. That goes vice versa – continuous issues with sleep result in health issues. And while feeling tired, suffering from a headache, or having problems with vision is a known consequence of sleep deprivation. There is also a crucial connection between sleep quality and dental health. Here is a list of issues that can be connected.
Teeth grinding
Bruxism is a medical term for the action of teeth grinding most often done unconsciously. Usually caused by stress, bruxism is done during the day and sleep. If not corrected, it can do serious damage to your oral health. Dental sensitivity, gum retraction and even bone damage are some of the consequences of teeth grinding. Clenching also affects the jaw and mandibular muscles, causing headaches and sharp pain in the jaw area. It is healed by mouth guards, psychotherapy, physical activity, etc. With the improvement of teeth grinding habits, sleep quality will also improve gradually.
TMJ disorder – Temporomandibular joint disorder
These disorders are manifested as pain in different parts of the face, jaw, and mouth, difficulty chewing and locking of the joint. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that links the lower and upper jaws. On each side of your face, you have two TMJ joints. The real cause of TMJ disorder is not known, but a study from 2013 has confirmed the direct connection between TMJ disorders and sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where a person will stop breathing for a few seconds. That is the cause of many other issues and can even be lethal. Still, it is possible to cure both TMJ and sleep apnea with therapy and medication.
Jaw pain and headaches
Pain is commonly associated with the consequences of both poor sleep and oral issues. It can come from sleep apnea, which has complex symptoms, such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, mentioned bruxism, and TMJ. However, the pain doesn’t need to be a developed disorder to cause issues. It could even turn to a vicious cycle of teeth grinding or jaw clenching from sleep deprivation and sleep deprivation from the pain. It is best to check with yourself if you are under stress and do physical activity to release endorphins – hormones that make you feel relaxed, satisfied and relieve pain, which will, in turn, help you sleep.
When it comes to children, the pain is a definite sign to urgently visit your children’s dentist, which can help you uncover the source and deal with the consequence. Additionally, kids’ dentists will be able to recognize the signs of sleep issues, and thus you will quickly have the answer and cure for your child.
Orthodontic issues
Orthodontics deals with the issues of the oral apparatus, correcting and improving its function and looks. These issues can arise from improper development, like crooked teeth or big tongue, but it can also be a consequence of a poor diet or conditions that cause sleep apnea, like diabetes, obesity, swollen tonsils, endocrine disorders, etc. By correcting bites, occlusion and the straightness of teeth, orthodontic can help with pain and inconveniences caused by these oral deformities, and some improvements do include sleep quality. The orthodontist also makes night guards and performs surgeries on the teeth and jaw, thus permanently solving the complex oral issues.
Caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum infections
Tooth decay is a logical consequence of sleep apnea and other sleep-connected issues: dry mouth, canker sores, bruxism, poor sleep hygiene (that includes late snacks), and a weak immune system. Since it can spread from one tooth to another, it needs to be treated as soon as noticed.
Gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum infections are usually caused by plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is connected to sleep issues easily. By sleeping with an open mouth, plaque solidifies on teeth faster, along with abnormal bacteria growth. These bacteria slowly eat away the gum, the tooth enamel, and lastly the bone of the tooth. If left untreated, it can result in tooth-rotting and falling out. The difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease is that one precedes the other, making periodontitis a consequence of not caring the gingivitis. Both can be treated successfully, taking the connected sleep issue with them.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a fungi infection and is medically called oral candidiasis. This infection can get anyone, from a newborn to an elder. It can happen as a consequence of dry mouth, sleep apnea, ill-fitted dentures, and injury in the mouth area. The soreness, the fatigue, and the change of taste can gravely affect the sleeping schedule as the person feels pain and is unable to eat. As candida is normally a part of the human body, it is crucial to keep the sleeping schedule in check since even a poor immune system can cause overgrowth and thrush.
Oral health and regular sleep are basics for overall health. They are also indicators of deeper issues. Developing healthy habits, including oral and mental hygiene is crucial prevention for many of the mentioned problems. The final tip is regular dentist appointments, especially at your kids’
About the Author
Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, and her ultimate passion is art and architecture. She is also a bibliophile and her favorite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.
