This week is Sleep Awareness Week, hosted by the National Sleep Foundation to promote the importance of sleep. You probably already know that getting a full eight hours of sleep is critical for your wellbeing, but according to a Gallup poll, only 60% of Americans actually get the recommended eight hours of sleep.
In honor of Sleep Awareness Week, we will explore some of the dental dangers associated with sleep.
Bruxism – A lot of patients clench their jaw or grind their teeth while sleeping, sometimes as a side effect of sleep apnea. Bruxism can cause the teeth to become cracked and broken and the jaw muscles to become sore. If you regularly wake up with sore teeth or jaws, contact Dr. Wolnik immediately to get a custom night guard fitted for your mouth.
Dry Mouth – Most people avoid drinking a lot of water right before bedtime because they don’t want to have to get up to use the bathroom. It makes sense; however, over the course of the next eight hours, your body can become mildly dehydrated, and you may wake up with an uncomfortably dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, so it’s important to properly re-hydrate as soon as you wake up!
Cavities – It is so important to brush your teeth before going to bed! During the night, any bacteria that may be left in your mouth have the opportunity to multiply and eat away at the enamel of your teeth, which can cause pesky and sometimes painful cavities.
On the flip side, if you go to bed with a sore tooth or jaw, it could definitely affect the amount and quality of sleep you get at night. When you’re tossing and turning late into the night because of the pain, you will wake up with more problems than just a toothache in the morning. If you have a dental problem that is keeping you awake at night, set up an appointment with Dr. Wolnik immediately.
As you can see, sleep has more to do with your teeth and mouth than you may have thought! Be aware of these dental dangers that can occur during sleep to ensure optimum oral health both while you’re awake and asleep!
How do you ensure that you get your full eight hours of sleep? Share your tips in the comments below!
Contact Dr. Wolnik
Dr. Wolnik is a leading dentist in the Cleveland, Ohio area specializing in the detection and treatment of sleep apnea. To learn more about the dental dangers associated with sleep or to set up an appointment, contact Dr. Wolnik’s office today!
6363 York Rd, Ste 202
Parma Heights, OH 44130
Phone: (440) 888-5055
Email: [email protected]