Quality sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing, yet many people face challenges in obtaining adequate rest. Surprisingly, one lesser-known factor that can impact sleep is oral health. Issues such as toothache, jaw discomfort, teeth grinding, and conditions like sleep apnoea reveal just how closely dental health and sleep quality are intertwined.
Here, we delve into the fascinating connection between teeth and sleep, offering practical tips and treatment advice from our dentists at Cotteswold House Dental Care in Gloucester.
How can your teeth affect your sleep?
Teeth and jaw problems can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Some common issues that can affect your sleep include:
Toothache: Toothache and jaw pain are among the most common dental issues that interfere with sleep. These aches can stem from various causes, such as cavities, gum disease, or trauma to the teeth. The discomfort can make it challenging to fall or stay asleep, as the pain is often persistent and highly distracting.
Bruxism: Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching, can occur during both the day and night. This condition may lead to jaw pain, headaches, and damage to teeth over time. Additionally, bruxism can disrupt sleep—not only for the individual but also for bed partners or roommates, as the grinding noise can be loud enough to wake them.
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: Oral health problems, such as a misaligned jaw or enlarged tonsils, can contribute to breathing issues like snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea, disrupting sleep cycles.
Oral Hygiene: Infections or inflammation in your mouth can cause discomfort and affect your ability to rest peacefully.
Nighttime Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production while sleeping, often due to medication or dehydration, can cause discomfort and wakefulness.
Why is toothache worse at night?
Tooth pain often feels more intense at night due to several factors:
Increased Blood Flow: When you lie down, blood flow to your head increases, which can put pressure on sensitive nerves in your teeth.
Reduced Distractions: During the day, you’re busy with activities that keep your mind off the discomfort. At night, the quiet environment makes you more aware of the pain.
Lower Saliva Production: Saliva helps neutralise acids and wash away bacteria. At night, saliva production decreases, making your teeth more vulnerable to irritation.
Sleeping Position: Lying flat can exacerbate pressure on your teeth and jaw, worsening the pain.
If you’re experiencing nighttime tooth pain, remedies like sleeping with your head elevated, using over-the-counter pain relief, or rinsing with warm salt water can help. However, persistent pain should be evaluated by a dentist.
How we can help here at Cotteswold House Dental Care:
At our dental practice, we offer both preventative and restorative dentistry to support your long-term oral health.
From dental health checks and hygienist appointments to advanced cosmetic and restorative procedures, our experienced team provides personalised care tailored to your needs.
Whether you are suffering from toothache, swelling, you’ve lost or damaged a tooth or your sensitive teeth are driving you crazy, we can help. If it’s an emergency dental appointment, we may be able to offer immediate pain relief and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from oral health problems long term is by regular visits to one of our super hero hygienists here at our Gloucester dental practice.
Not only will a trip to the hygienist leave your mouth feeling cleaner, but it can help protect against gum disease and tooth decay. Healthy gums mean less inflammation and pain, making it easier to sleep peacefully. A hygienist can also spot signs of Bruxism, such as worn teeth or jaw tension, and recommend solutions including nightguards to reduce grinding.
We can also help treat sleep related problems, including snoring and Sleep Apnoea. If breathing problems or snoring are keeping you awake at night, speak to one of our dentists who can discuss treatment options for sleep related problems.
Whatever you do, don’t let the thought of visiting the dentist keep you awake at night.
Cotteswold House Dental Care is a family-owned dental practice that’s been established since 1977. Known as ‘Gloucester’s friendliest practice’, we offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step through the door.
Nervous patients need not worry as we also offer sedation to put you at ease during dental procedures.
Ready to discover the secret to sleeping soundly? It all starts with a healthy mouth—let us help you get on the right track.
We are open 6 days a week and until 7pm Monday through Thursday. Contact us today to book your appointment with a dentist. We also offer free consultations with our lovely Patient Coordinator, Jess if you wish to find out more about a particular treatment first.