In today’s modern world our lives have become frantic. It seems like we’re constantly having less and less time to relax and have a good night’s sleep. Because of our success we sometimes feel proud of our unhealthy way of life but in reality lack of sleep can be dangerous for our dental health.
Periodontitis
The development of deep pockets between your teeth also known as periodontitis, according to studies, is directly connected to the quality and amount of our sleep. These pockets are dangerous because they cause your teeth to loosen and can destroy the bone that holds your teeth in their place. Lack of sleep causes periodontitis because of increased levels of inflammation in your gums.
Inflammatory hormones
When you continue to work and be active but your body doesn’t have any energy left, more inflammatory hormones are produced and this can lead to gingivitis and later to periodontitis. These inflammatory hormones can also increase the chance for stroke, obesity, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Lack of sleep can also have a huge impact on your decision making and in general, can have a bad impact on your whole body and health so it is time to make sleep an important priority in your life again.
Sleep quality and routine
A study has shown that on average, people in Australia get 6.5 hours of sleep and 12 % get 5.5 and even less. It is not always important how many hours you sleep but the general quality. Seven or eight hours of sleep is enough for the protection of your teeth and gums but if you get up at night and toss and turn the benefits just won’t be the same. You should make your sleep a priority meaning it’s the most important thing you’re doing at the moment and you should let go of the long list of things you need to do. For example, don’t worry about the dishes that need washing. Your sleep is more important in order for you to be well-rested and healthy. You should make a sleeping regime that goes with your daily schedule. Sometimes if you set unrealistic expectations with yourself the plan just won’t work and you will be back sleeping less and living unhealthy. Try going to bed a little earlier each night until you find the right amount of sleep you need. Once you’ve established this routine for a while, your body will let you know when it’s time to relax and get some sleep. It’s not always about the time you go to bed but it is crucial that you wake up at the same time. Make sure that you’re always going to bed and waking up at the same time because otherwise, you can mess up your body’s natural circadian rhythms. Try not to eat after 7 pm but if you need something soothing to relax you before going to bed then you should try some herb or chamomile.
Dental issues
If your partner tells you that you sometimes stop breathing while sleeping then maybe you suffer from sleep apnea. Don’t hesitate to undergo a sleep study to see if you have to sleep with a CPAP machine. There are some dental issues that can also affect the quality of your sleep. If your partner noticed that you’re grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep then you should probably talk to your dentist about wearing appliances in order to get a good night’s sleep.
Prevention and improvement
Although sleeping is important, there are also other ways you can improve your dental health. The most common and simplest way is to keep your proper flossing and brushing routine on a daily basis. If you noticed that you have bleeding gums, toothache or loose teeth then you should probably contact your dentist for cleaning and evaluation. Dentists can determine what is going on in your mouth and, if you have problems, how to solve them. Today there are many options for treating dental problems. Fillings and crowns are widely used and if you have a small mouth and your teeth are crowded than maybe you should consider braces. If you have any kind of problem with your mouth and teeth then you should maybe consider contacting the professional Central Coast dental services for a standard checkup. If you have cavities or the start of gingivitis it is best to react at once because these can turn into even bigger problems later on in life.
