Written In Collaboration With: DR. JAMES KO

Image c/o @jacobrott

Sleep and Oral Health: Did Your Mouth Just Work a Night Shift?

We all know the magic of a good night's sleep – waking up on the right side of the bed, feeling refreshed, and riding that AM energy all day long. Sleep is not just a luxury; it's a non-negotiable for our quality of life. And while it’s a time for our minds to take a breather, it’s not just about catching Z’s.

One of sleep’s top priorities? Giving your oral health the TLC it deserves – making a good night's sleep even more crucial. James Ko shares with us, "when patients come in with unexplained changes in their mouth, we go through a process of elimination starting with their health history and identify any major changes in their overall health like a recent illness or new medications. Part of this should more or less include asking about emotional or mental stress and changes in sleeping patterns."

In this blog post, we’re diving into the fascinating connection between sleep and oral health and why your dental system absolutely needs its nightly shut-eye.

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep isn’t just about recharging; it’s about repair, regeneration, and restoration. While your mind gets a well-deserved break, your body works overtime to fix, rejuvenate, and prep for another day. This nightly reboot is not only essential for your mental and emotional well-being but also vital for your physical health – including your oral health.

The Scoop on Oral Health & Sleep

Oral health is a big deal. Staying up all night might sound adventurous, but your mouth isn’t here for it. Quality sleep is a must for maintaining top-notch oral health, and missing out can throw this delicate balance into chaos, impacting your mouth in more ways than one. Here are some key points:

Insomnia and Periodontal Disease

Insomnia affects anywhere from 10% to 30% of people. Chronic sleep loss is linked to a higher risk of periodontitis. Something our whole team is dedicated to talking about. The stats don’t lie – the prevalence of periodontitis is 36% higher (aka, gum disease) in individuals with sleep deficiency. Gum disease is diagnosed at a simple routine dental cleaning and or checkup. It’s usually detected by visually seeing swollen gums, red gums, gums that bleed to the touch, and teeth that have lost their surrounding bone structure leading to deep pockets under the gums or even gaps between the teeth. (Hello food traps). 

Saliva Production

When you hit the hay, your saliva production gets to work. Your body diligently produces and maintains saliva, which is crucial for keeping your mouth clean and free from harmful bacteria.

Stay tuned for more insights on how to keep your smile bright and healthy, all by catching those precious Z's, staying hydrated and doing more than only toothbrushing. After all, your mouth deserves a good night's rest too.

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The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice and in-person consultation. It is provided with the understanding that STIM MIE INC. ("Stimmie") is not engaged in the provision or rendering of dental advice or services. Although monitored and written in collaboration with licensed dental professionals, the opinions and content included in these articles are general and not patient-specific. You understand and agree that Stimmie shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, any content or information in our written materials.

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