What does my sleep have to do with my teeth?
Poor sleep can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism), dry mouth, and gum disease. Teeth grinding, especially during sleep, can lead to worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and even cracked teeth.
What does my sleep have to do with my gum health?
Mouth breathing and snoring during sleep can increase the risk of gum disease due to reduced saliva flow. Saliva neutralizes acids and harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria that grow from a dry mouth can cause gum disease and can lead to tooth loss, but have now been found to cause heart attack and stroke.
What does my sleep have to do with my overall health?
Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer’s. It is not about snoring, but about how well your brain and heart are refreshed every night.
What does my sleep have to do with heartburn?
One of the indicators of sleep apnea is heart burn/gastric reflux. Many people find relief when taking over-the-counter medications such as Pepcid. But read the instructions closely. Taking these meds for more than 14 days may create more serious problems, such as stomach cancer or Alzheimer’s. Get a home sleep test today.
Dr. Kellye Rice is an accomplished Airway, TMJ and Cosmetic dentist in Brentwood and owner of Middle Tennessee Dental Sleep Specialists. Dr. Rice has completed advanced training in Dental Sleep Medicine and is a Diplomat of the ABDSM and the ASBA, as well as a Fellow of the AGD. Kellyerice.com
