San Francisco and Marin CA
Sleep is necessary for numerous bodily processes. It promotes hormonal stability, helps the brain process memories, and mends damaged tissue. Lack of sleep hinders not only the immune system but also cognitive processes like memory and problem-solving. However, you may not be aware that sleep quality also influences your oral health. Sleep deprivation and mouth breathing during sleep have a greater impact on the oral cavity than you would imagine. Our Bay Area sleep apnea dentists at Glen Park Dental share on the blog today what a good night’s sleep can do for your oral health so that you can protect your smile and overall health.
Inadequate Sleep May Impact Oral Health
When a patient exhibits a poor bite, considerable plaque, dry mouth, excessive salivation, or an open mouth posture, the dentist is often the first health care provider to identify a possible sleep issue. Our Marin dentists who treat sleep apnea explain that the above symptoms suggest that a sleep disturbance may be present. Sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, are often accompanied by mouth-open breathing during sleep, which may dry out the oral cavity and contribute to plaque buildup. More plaque indicates a higher tooth decay and gum disease risk, and a dry mouth may increase acidity in the oral cavity, causing enamel damage. If we notice any signs of a sleep issue that might be affecting your dental health or everyday functioning, we may suggest you see a sleep expert.
You Might Suffer From Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep condition connected with mouth breathing and may cause dry mouth. Sleep apnea makes it difficult to obtain a full night’s rest since people with OSA repeatedly stop breathing and awaken themselves. Additionally, inflammation, brought on by a lack of sleep, raises the probability of gum disease. Our Marin sleep apnea dentists explain that extreme daytime weariness, high blood pressure, and heart disease are among the symptoms linked to OSA that may have a significant effect on a person’s health and quality of life. Fortunately, Glen Park Dental offers effective treatments that may include using tools like a CPAP machine or oral appliance while sleeping or participating in myofunctional therapy.
Poor Sleep is also Linked to Teeth Grinding
Sleep deprivation has also been linked to teeth grinding, often known as bruxism. There is a complicated web of interdependence between sleep problems and bruxism. If you have trouble sleeping, your stress and anxiety levels will rise, which might raise your likelihood of bruxism. Our San Francisco dentists who treat bruxism explain that the condition is not only disruptive to sleep but may also lead to other health problems, including headaches or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). Having trouble sleeping often goes hand in hand with bruxism. The likelihood of teeth grinding is higher in OSA patients. As bruxism may cause gum irritation and tooth fractures, treating it is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile.
Sleep Apnea Treatments in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Sleep is necessary for both physical and oral health. Therefore poor sleep quality, especially sleep deprivation, may negatively affect oral health. The good news is that our sleep apnea dentists in the Bay Area can assist you. If we observe indicators that you aren’t sleeping well, we can assist you in seeking therapy and restoring your sleep quality. If you have questions about sleep apnea or would like to schedule and consultation to find out if you suffer from sleep apnea, please call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online today.
