In today’s hectic life, it has become increasingly difficult to get a good night’s rest. Work schedules, pressures from family and friends, and the ever-present social media make it almost impossible to find downtime to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep deprivation has become a global phenomenon. Many people now view their lack of sleep as a badge of honor that they proudly wear to show just how hardworking and resilient they are.
However, the reality is that sleep deprivation has many adverse effects on the overall well-being of the body. You might be aware that not getting enough sleep can cause some health problems like anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, but are you aware that sleep deprivation can also do a number on your dental health?
Sleep deprivation can lead to dental health issues like bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum infections, and teeth grinding, and if left to persist for long, it can even lead to tooth decay and tooth loss!
In the midst of this sleep crisis, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of seeking professional help. If you’re experiencing any of these dental issues due to sleep deprivation, it’s imperative to visit a dentist ASAP. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being, and addressing dental concerns promptly can prevent more serious complications down the line. Don’t let sleep deprivation take a toll on your smile – schedule that dental appointment and prioritize your health from head to toe.
Here Is Why Sleep Deprivation Is Very Dangerous To Your Dental Health
- Lack Of Sleep Can Cause Periodontitis: do your gums feel tender when chewing or bleed when you brush? This can be a sign of periodontitis, a serious gum infection caused by bacteria accumulated on the teeth and gums.
It is often caused by poor oral hygiene; however, studies have shown that sleep deficiency is also a risk factor for periodontitis. As a matter of fact, of all the lifestyle causes of gum disease, periodontitis is second only to smoking, which is the leading cause of gum disease.
Periodontitis often begins with the growth of bacteria in teeth. If left unattended, the bacteria take its toll on your gums by destroying the tissue surrounding your teeth and creating pockets between your gums and teeth. These pockets make your teeth to become loose and also destroy the bone supporting the teeth.
Some periodontitis symptoms include swollen/puffy gums, receding gums, pains while chewing, bad breath, and bleeding gums.
A study where sixty subjects were examined to determine the relationship between sleep deprivation and chronic periodontitis revealed that people who suffer from sleep deprivation are at an increased risk of periodontitis.
- Increased Levels Of Inflammation In The Gums: swollen gums, which are also known as gingivitis, is usually the onset of periodontitis. Your body produces more inflammatory hormones when you’re not getting enough sleep; this increases your risk of gingivitis.
Lack of sleep can also make you feel sluggish, which increases your tendency to take extra cups of coffee in the morning. When you can’t sleep at night, the chances are that you’ll become bored and decide to eat a snack; this action can put your dental health at risk.
Lack of sleep can also make you lose focus while brushing and flossing your teeth; you become less deliberate about thoroughly brushing your teeth, which increases your risk of gingivitis.
At the earliest stage of gingivitis, you may notice that your gums bleed lightly while brushing, but your teeth are still firmly placed in their sockets at this stage. However, if you don’t act swiftly, gingivitis can lead to more serious dental problems like periodontitis and tooth loss.
- Sleep Deprivation Is Connected To Bruxism: Bruxism is the action of clenching or grinding your teeth while you are awake (awake bruxism) or at night while sleeping (sleep bruxism). If you’re always unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth, it could indicate that you’re not getting adequate amounts of sleep.
People who suffer from sleep bruxism are more likely to have sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea. Bruxism can lead to jaw disorders, damaged or crooked teeth, and other dental issues if left untreated.
Most people who have bruxism are not even aware of it; they only get to know when serious complications develop. This is why it’s essential to know some symptoms of bruxism. Flattened, fractured or loose teeth, sore jaws, increased tooth sensitivity, and worn-out enamel are all common symptoms of bruxism.
- Lack Of Sleep Weakens Your Immune System: the immune system is critical for the overall well-being of the body. It provides multiple lines of defense against infections and life-threatening illnesses. A strong immune system contributes to strong, healthy teeth and gums.
Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in the production of protective proteins, which helps your body heals faster when exposed to infections. It also causes a decrease in infection-fighting antibodies. A weak immune system will have a negative effect on your health, and this includes your dental health as well.
Tips For Getting A Good Quality Sleep
The body needs around 7-8 hours of quality sleep to function correctly. If you’re always tossing and turning in your bed all night, the following tips will help you sleep better.
- Have A Sleep Schedule and Stick To It: one of the reasons people find it hard to sleep on time is because they don’t have any sleep schedule. Just like you have your work schedule, sleep should be on your to-do list.
Going to bed and getting up the same time every day can help you sleep better. Maintain a regular sleep routine; the difference between your sleep schedule on weekends and weekdays shouldn’t be more than an hour. This will make your body get used to your sleep routine.
- Create a Relaxed Environment: you may find it more difficult to sleep if you’re in an unconducive environment. An ideal room for sleeping should be cool, dark, and quiet. You can use earplugs if need be to block out the noise and room darkening shades to enable you to sleep better. Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free.
- Reduce Blue Light Exposure Towards Bedtime: exposure to blue light just before bedtime can trick your brain into thinking that it’s still daytime, making it more difficult for you to fall asleep on time. Avoid watching TV or using your computer two hours before bedtime as electronic devices like TV, smartphones, and computers emit blue light, heightening sleep deprivation.
- Don’t Consume Alcohol Or Caffeine Late In The Evening: intake of caffeine and alcohol stimulates your nervous system, which delays your ability to fall asleep as your body takes more time to relax. If you feel like taking any liquid, drink more water or decaffeinated drinks instead of coffee or alcohol. Also, avoid eating two hours before bedtime.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques Before Bedtime: practicing a relaxation technique such as taking a warm bath, listening to music, meditation, or reading a book before bedtime may help you get more quality sleep.
- Regular Exercise: this is one of the best-proven ways to improve your sleep. Exercise reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep; it also reduces anxiety, which is a significant cause of sleep deprivation. However, it should not be performed too late in the day as it can make you more alert with the release of adrenaline hormones, making it hard to fall asleep.
- Attend to any dental health issues that may keep you awake at night: dental problems such as teeth grinding and clenching or tooth pain resulting from periodontitis can disrupt your sleep; speak with your dentist and don’t delay treatment.
Bottom line
Sleep deprivation does not only cause anxiety, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It can also have serious adverse effects on your dental health. To have perfect teeth and gums, you need to get at least 7 hours of sleep per day. That is in addition to practicing healthy oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and paying regular visits to your dentist for a more thorough cleaning. Always remember that dental health is not a destination but a journey!
A lack of sleep can affect many parts of your body, but people seldom realize that it can also affect their dental health in more ways than one. That’s why it’s important to develop a healthy sleeping pattern to ensure that your well-being is protected.
Alaska Sleep Clinic is the most comprehensive sleep lab in Alaska, with four locations in Anchorage, Soldotna, Fairbanks and Wasilla. We work closely with local dentists and orthodontists on oral sleep appliances for our patients that do not improve with CPAP.
Call us today @ 907-770-9104 for a free sleep consultation with a board-certified sleep specialist.
