How your sleep habits affect your oral health

We generally rate the quality of our sleep by how rested we feel in the morning, but did you know our sleep habits also play a big role in oral health?

At The Practice in West End, South Brisbane, we see a surprising number of dental issues linked to sleep-related habits, some of which you may not even realise you have! From night-time teeth grinding (bruxism), to the effects of breathing through your mouth, here’s how your sleep habits could be affecting your teeth and gums.

Teeth grinding

If you wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or sensitive teeth, you might be grinding your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. Many people aren’t even aware they do it until a loved one points it out, or a dentist recognises the signs, such as worn-down enamel or tiny fractures in the teeth.

Bruxism is often linked to stress or anxiety, but it can also be caused by misaligned teeth or sleep disorders like sleep apnoea.

At The Practice, we sometimes recommend a custom-made mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth from further damage. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, book a check-up with us, we can help prevent long-term harm and relieve jaw pain.

For patients with persistent teeth grinding (bruxism), Botox can also be an effective treatment option. When carefully administered into the jaw muscles, Botox helps to relax the overactive muscles responsible for grinding, reducing tension, pain, and tooth wear. It’s a quick, non-invasive treatment that can offer long-lasting relief, especially when other methods haven’t been effective.

Mouth breathing and dry mouth

Are you a mouth breather when you sleep? It’s more common than you think, and it can lead to some serious dental concerns. Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can dry out your saliva, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia). Because saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and neutralising acids, a lack of it increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Chronic mouth breathing can also affect jaw development, particularly in children, leading to misaligned teeth or bite issues. If you regularly wake up with a dry mouth or notice a persistent sore throat, it’s worth discussing with your South Brisbane dentist. We can assess whether mouth breathing is impacting your oral health and offer solutions to improve it.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is more than just a severe case of snoring, it can have a serious impact on your oral health too. This condition causes interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels and frequent waking throughout the night. Many people with sleep apnoea also suffer from bruxism, dry mouth, and a higher risk of gum disease due to oxygen deprivation.

If you have symptoms of sleep apnoea, such as excessive daytime tiredness, loud snoring, or waking up gasping for air, it’s important to seek medical advice. At The Practice Dental, we can work alongside your doctor or sleep specialist to assess how it’s affecting your teeth and offer solutions such as oral appliances that help keep your airway open while you sleep.

Late-night snacking and poor oral hygiene

Sneaking a sweet snack in the middle of the night might seem harmless, but if you’re not brushing your teeth afterwards, it can affect your oral health. When you eat late at night, especially sugary or acidic foods, bacteria in your mouth feast on the leftover food particles, producing acids that lead to tooth decay. Combine that with reduced saliva production while you sleep, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for cavities.

If you’re a late-night snacker, try to rinse your mouth with water afterwards or, better yet, give your teeth a quick brush before heading to bed.

Not getting quality sleep

If you’re not getting quality sleep, your gums could be affected. Studies show that sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease. People who consistently get less than six hours of sleep per night are more likely to develop gingivitis or even periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Prioritising good sleep hygiene, setting a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can improve both your overall health and your oral health.

How to improve your sleep for better oral health

Now that you know how sleep habits affect your teeth and gums, here are a few tips to protect your oral health while you sleep:

Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth.
Breathe through your nose to avoid dry mouth, consider nasal strips or a humidifier if needed.
Treat sleep apnoea if you have symptoms, this can improve both your overall health and your dental health.
Brush and floss before bed to remove food particles and prevent decay.
Avoid late-night sugary snacks to protect your enamel.
Prioritise good sleep hygiene to support your immune system and gum health.

Oral health help with The Practice

Your sleep habits don’t just affect how rested you feel in the morning, they play a big role in your oral health too! Whether it’s grinding, mouth breathing, or sleep apnoea, small changes to your sleep routine can make a huge difference in protecting your teeth and gums.

If you’re experiencing any signs of sleep-related dental issues, our South Brisbane dentist is here to help. Book an appointment with our friendly team today!