Sleep Impacts Oral Health

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease. During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health.  Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one factor impacting periodontal disease was smoking. However, the number two factor was sleep.

Participants who obtained seven to eight hours of sleep a night exhibited a slower progression of periodontal disease than those who received six or fewer hours a night. Researchers concluded that a shortage of sleep can impair the body’s immune system, which can make periodontal disease progress more rapidly.

While brushing and flossing regularly is important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, the body needs to receive adequate sleep as well. If you are not getting a proper night’s sleep due to loud, excessive snoring, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block the airflow during sleep.

It is important to advise your dentist of possible sleep disorders. If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, contact me, Dr. James Stewart. I am a Livonia, MI dentist has studied obstructive sleep apnea treatment, both with CPAP an oral appliance. Contact my Livonia dentist office at (734)425-4400 to schedule a consultation. Don’t let a lack of sleep destroy your health!