Can Better Sleep Give You a Healthier Smile? Maybe!

Sleep is a primary pillar of good health. Getting enough rest can help with many things. For example, it may lower your risk of numerous systemic diseases, regulate your emotions, and reduce your risk of memory problems. But did you know that it may also have an effect on your teeth and gums? This blog post explores how getting better sleep might lead to a healthier smile.

Sleep and Your Oral Health

A study conducted in 2017 looked at more than 8,000 Korean adults. It found that those who slept for less than 5 hours a night had more tooth decay than those who slept for 7. Separate studies have found a correlation between poor sleep and an increased risk of gum disease.

What is the reason for the connection between poor sleep and dental problems? Rather than sleep having a direct impact on oral health, some experts believe that being tired simply makes it much more challenging to stick to good habits. For example, if you are exhausted at the end of a long day, you may be less likely to brush your teeth. Poor sleep can also affect the hormones that control hunger; you may be more likely to snack on sugary and starchy foods, which can contribute to tooth decay and overgrowth of oral bacteria.

Getting Better Sleep — How Can You Do It?

Getting better sleep can make it easier for you to eat a healthy diet and stick to good oral hygiene habits. Admittedly, though, it is not always easy to get enough rest. Here are some suggestions that might help:

• Find out if you have a sleep disorder. If you do your best to get enough sleep but still always feel tired, you might have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. A doctor can help to diagnose this.
• Schedule time to unwind. You may fall asleep faster if you reserve the last hour or two of your day for relaxing activities. For example, you might read a book or listen to soothing music. Try not to be on your phone or do a lot of physical activity during this time.
• Make your bedroom as comfortable as possible. If your budget allows, invest in a high-quality mattress and comfortable bedding. Keep your bedroom clean, and set the thermostat so the temperature is slightly on the cool side. You should also try not to do anything in bed other than sleep or enjoy intimacy with your partner.
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine too close to bedtime. If you want to unwind with a beverage, try chamomile tea.
• Care for your mental health. If anxiety or stress is keeping you awake, try to manage the source of those feelings. Some people find that breathing exercises and meditation help. There can also be great benefits from visiting a mental health professional.

You deserve to sleep well and have a healthy smile! Start taking steps today to get enough rest night after night.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is a holistic dentist who offers a broad range of services for the Southlake community. If you are concerned about how poor sleep might be affecting your oral health, she and our team can learn about your situation and provide expert advice on your next steps. We offer both oral health treatments and sleep apnea therapy. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you contact Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.