How Can a Dentist Improve Your Sleep?
Your body’s numerous processes depend on sleep. It aids memory processing in the brain, regulates hormones, and restores tissues.
Even cognitive processes like problem solving and memory are hampered by a lack of sleep, including the immune system.
However, did you realise that rest also impacts your oral health? More than you would learn, mouth breathing when sleeping and poor sleep both influence the oral cavity!
Our Bondi Beach dentist may be able to assist you or suggest someone who can if you have difficulties falling asleep, snore, or experience other symptoms that could be related to a sleep disturbance.
What symptoms do you have?
The symptoms and signs of sleep problems can differ. Narcolepsy, the inability to fall asleep at night, and loud snoring can all be symptoms of those who struggle with insomnia.
Speaking with a medical expert about your experiences might enable them to identify the issue and make useful therapy recommendations.
If you snore loudly, wake up choking, gasping, or snorting in the middle of the night, feel weary and lethargic during the day, or have other signs of a sleep disorder, you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If untreated, it may have a major negative effect on one’s health.
What leads to sleeping problems?
Changes in routine, stress, health concerns or the consumption of stimulants such as caffeine can induce short-term sleep difficulties such as transient insomnia. Long-term sleep issues can be more complex and may have a physical reason.
When the airways become briefly closed during sleep, obstructive sleep apnea occurs. Obesity, a big neck, a constricted throat, or other characteristics that enhance the likelihood of blockages make this more likely.
If you smoke, drink excessively, or take certain medications, such as sedatives, your risk of OSA increases. It is more frequent among the elderly, but it can afflict persons of all ages, including children.
How your dentist can help?
If you suspect you have OSA, a dentist can diagnose the disorder by examining your mouth and throat. During the visit, the dentist may enquire about your sleeping habits or behaviour, which may surprise you. This is because you associate your dentist with cavities and scaling.
A dentist is more than just the tooth fairy; many are also trained in sleep medicine. If the dentist has doubts, they will ask questions about your condition. Your mouth, jaw, and neck may show indicators of sleep issues.
If your case is especially severe, your dentist may also recommend a sleep study to allow a sleep physician to monitor your symptoms.
Your dentist could suggest therapies or make a referral if you are identified as having sleep apnoea or another disease.
Depending on the cause of your OSA, your symptoms, and their severity, these treatments may involve any of the following:
- modify your sleeping position to increase ventilation
- developing a consistent sleep schedule
- changes in lifestyle, including quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol, and attempting to reduce weight
- trying to live a life that is less stressful and anxious, which may require counselling
- use an oral device like a mouthguard to maintain the airways open as you sleep
Your Bondi Dentist Can Help
Sleep is vital for your body and dental health, so if you’re not getting enough sleep, it can impact your oral health. If your dentist notices signs that you may not be sleeping well, they can help you seek treatment to restore your quality of life.
Bondi Dental is a patient-friendly dental practice conveniently located in the Eastern Suburbs of Bondi Beach, Bondi in Sydney. We provide patients with advanced dentistry in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
Call us at (02) 9365 7187 or visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.