We all know that sleep is crucial for our bodies. It can lower our risk for chronic disease, boost our brain power, and balance hormones. But did you know it’s also an important aspect of your dental health as well? Sleep truly does impact the entire body. Getting enough sleep has proven to be a major influential factor in keeping your smile healthy. Here’s how lack of sleep is jeopardizing your oral health in addition to your complete wellness!
Less Than 6 Hours Increases Risk for Gum Disease
You’ve heard the standard 8 hours a night rule—this rule is spot-on when it comes to getting your beauty sleep! Research shows that getting six hours a sleep or less will majorly influence your risk for gum disease. People who sleep for only a few hours a night are almost as likely as those who smoke to get gum disease!
The link here is inflammation. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body has an inflammatory response, which increases your risk for other chronic diseases like heart disease as well. Fortunately, simply by adjusting your routine and getting some more sleep, you can effectively lower your risk for gum disease.
7-8 Hours Can Help Reduce Risk
Aim to sleep for 7 or 8 hours every night. Your body will tell you how much sleep you need. Everyone is different, with older individuals needing less sleep than young adults. However, you can still cut your risk for gum disease by getting enough sleep. When you’re sleep deprived, there’s an increase in inflammatory hormones, which can directly impact your gums. This causes your gums to become inflamed and can cause bleeding, tenderness, and even shifting teeth.
Getting Enough Sleep
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, so it’s no surprise that so many people struggle with this. Getting 8 hours of sleep every night can often feel impossible for busy adults who have careers and families. However, getting this amount of sleep will do wonders for your health.
Not only will it lower your chances of getting gum disease, but it’ll also decrease your risk of diabetes, stroke, obesity, and high blood pressure. Getting a good night’s sleep is all in the preparation—try to establish a routine and go to bed at the same time every night. Turn off all tablets, smart phones, and televisions before bed. The blue light on these devices can signal your body to stay awake. You can also avoid eating about two hours prior to bedtime in order to not provide your body fuel to stay awake.
Gum disease makes teeth shift, causes loose teeth, bleeding gums, and pockets between the gums and teeth where infection breeds. If left to progress, it will eventually attack bone and connective ligaments, leading to tooth loss. Isn’t it worth it to avoid gum disease by getting enough sleep? Aim for 7-8 hours every night to protect your body and your teeth!
