Unfortunately, poor sleeping habits affect your oral health and cause discomfort. Over time, they can even lead to permanent damage. Here’s how your nighttime routines can lead to health problems – and how a good night’s sleep and good habits will benefit your oral health. 

Bad Habits Before Bed That Affect Your Mouth

Not Brushing Your Teeth at Night

Getting ready for bed is sometimes a rushed process, which can cause you to forget important pre-sleep tasks like brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth before bed is one of the most effective ways to keep your mouth healthy. It cleans your mouth from all of the bacteria and food buildup you’ve gotten throughout the day. This prevents infections, decay, and other damage to your teeth. 

Drinking Caffeine Before Bed

Drinking caffeine before bed is bad for your health overall. It makes it more difficult to fall asleep and can increase stress levels. Plus, caffeine before bed specifically affects oral health. Caffeine wears down the enamel that protects your teeth, making them more susceptible to problems. 

Being Stressed at Bedtime

Jaw clenching and tooth grinding are the main culprits of morning tooth pain and jaw discomfort. When you go to bed without relaxing, you’re more likely to clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night. Before you go to bed, you should practice unwinding from the stress of the day. For you, that may look like taking a warm shower, meditating, or practicing deep breathing. It’s also important to put away any devices and distractions. 

Not Addressing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects many different areas of health, including your oral health. When you have sleep apnea, you’re more likely to have a dry mouth, which increases the bacteria in your mouth. Sleep apnea can also cause tooth grinding or jaw clenching. 

How a Good Night’s Sleep Can Benefit Your Oral Health

If you get a good night’s sleep, avoid caffeine and stress, and remember to brush your teeth before bed, you’ll see the following benefits to your oral health! 

Stronger tooth enamel: This helps to protect against damage, tooth sensitivity, and other oral health problems.

Stronger immune system: When you’re asleep, your body is able to fight off infections and heal from any injuries you may have. This applies to your mouth and the rest of your body, too – it’s all connected! 

Much lower risk for tooth decay: Forgetting to brush your teeth properly or sleeping with your mouth open will enable bad bacteria to multiply in your mouth, which creates tooth decay. When you practice good habits and get a good night’s sleep, you have a much lower risk of decay. 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep to Stay Healthy

Getting a good night’s sleep is very important. Bad habits before bed cause poor sleep and many oral health problems. To treat any dental issues you may have and to prevent any future issues, visit us at the Dental Center of Redondo Beach!