Category: Bruxism

Surprising Ways Oral Health Can Affect Sleep

Young Asian girl sleeps with an eye mask on

A good night’s sleep is vital for feeling refreshed the next day. Aside from a comfortable pillow and mattress, cozy blanket, and a quiet environment, there’s one aspect of being able to get quality sleep that might not immediately come to mind: your oral health.

Believe it or not, the state of your teeth and gums can significantly impact your sleep quality. Here are five surprising ways your oral health can be connected to your sleep:

Pain & Discomfort

Oral issues such as toothaches, gum infections, or misalignment can cause significant pain and discomfort. This discomfort can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to frequent wake-ups and disrupted sleep.

Bruxism

Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, can occur unconsciously during sleep. This habit not only wears down your teeth but can also result in jaw pain and headaches, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. While it’s a complex issue, oral health plays a role as well. Poor oral health, including gum disease, can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, making it even harder to get a restful night’s sleep.

Mouth Breathing

Certain oral health issues can contribute to chronic mouth breathing, which can dry the oral tissues and throat. This can lead to snoring and disrupted sleep, as well as an increased risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Inflammation

Gum disease is characterized by inflammation in the gums. Chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to various health problems, including sleep disorders. By addressing gum disease, you may also improve your sleep quality.

Sleep Better with Improved Oral Health!

Maintaining a balanced diet, daily brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, and wearing an oral appliance for bruxism or sleep apnea can go a long way in promoting better sleep. Addressing any existing oral health issues can also help prevent them from interfering with your sleep quality. So if you’re experiencing sleep problems and suspect your oral health might be a contributing factor, don’t hesitate to consult with our team at Paris Mountain Dental!

Signs You Need a Nightguard

Photo of a nightguard to manage bruxism or teeth grinding.

Do you grind your teeth? Because most of those who suffer from bruxism clench and grind while they are fast asleep, it may seem like it is a hard issue to diagnose. In reality though, the signs of this condition are pretty apparent. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the signs that you may need a nightguard.

Morning Headaches

The occasional morning headache may not have anything to do with your oral health, but if you’re regularly waking up with unexplainable headaches in the morning, well, we can likely explain that! When you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep, you’re putting stress on the muscles in your face, leaving them tense and sore in the morning. A nightguard will help you reduce some of the pressure you’re inadvertently putting on your muscles.

Jaw Pain

The tension you’re causing in your facial and jaw muscles can also lead to a disorder that affects the joint at the hinge of your jaw, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This disorder can cause a lot of pain and sensitivity and can even make speaking and eating difficult and uncomfortable.

Tooth Damage

During your regular dental exams, Dr. Ghimire will look for excessive wear on the surface of your teeth which is a sure sign you’re suffering from bruxism. If the issue is allowed to persist, this surface wear can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity, and even chipping or cracking of the tooth.

Nightguards to Treat Bruxism in Travelers Rest, SC

If you are feeling the effects of teeth grinding and clenching, we’re here to help! In a few easy steps, we can fit you with a completely custom nightguard that will revolutionize your sleep habits. Don’t sleep on this solution, call our office to get started today!

We can help you put an end to teeth grinding!

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