What Your Teeth & Mouth Can Tell You About Your Sleep Quality
Did you know your teeth and mouth can provide valuable insights into your sleep quality? As a dentist, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the relationship between oral health and sleep health can help people identify underlying sleep problems, like sleep apnea. From there, they can seek timely intervention to improve their sleep and overall health.
Teeth grinding and sleep apnea
One of the most apparent connections between oral health and sleep apnea is teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. People with sleep apnea often grind or clench their teeth involuntarily as they sleep. This can result in worn-down enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and dental damage.
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions are called apneas. They occur when a person’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked, and they can lead to temporary pauses in breathing, which can trigger involuntary jaw movements and bruxism episodes. The grinding is the body’s response to reopen a person’s airway and restore normal breathing.
Acid erosion and sleep apnea
Acid reflux and sleep apnea are two distinct conditions. But they often coexist or influence each other. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and it occurs when the stomach’s acidic content flows back into the esophagus. When this happens, it creates irritation and inflammation in a person’s airway. This causes the airway to narrow, making it more susceptible to obstruction during sleep.
Sleep apnea can also influence the occurrence and severity of acid reflux. During apnea episodes, the repeated cessation of breathing leads to negative pressure changes in the chest and abdomen. These changes promote the movement of stomach contents, including acid, into the esophagus.
The takeaway
Your teeth and mouth can provide valuable clues about your sleep quality and potential sleep disturbances, like sleep apnea. By paying attention to oral health issues and abnormalities, you can take proactive steps to identify and address underlying sleep problems.