The Link between Good Sleep and Good Dental Health

Posted by Dentalworks4kids on March 20th, 2015

During sleep is when our bodies grow, heal, stabilize and essentially reboot. For this reason a good night’s rest is not just important for our well being but it's critically important in children whose bodies are constantly growing and changing.

Since there is a definite correlation between general health and dental oral health, it makes sense that adequate sleep is essential to keeping your child’s oral health in good condition. In a recent Japanese study it was suggested that inadequate sleep may contribute to periodontal disease, proving there may be more to the sleep-dental connection than previously thought.

Poor sleep can be connected to a variety of problems, but it’s also important to note that dental problems can cause poor sleep.  As a result, in children, it’s imperative to be able to recognize any possible problems that may affect their sleep since they are not always able to communicate what’s causing them to toss and turn at night.

Some dental related disorders that can affect the quality of your child’s sleep are:

• Bruxism – grinding of teeth at night can cause tooth wear and alter a child’s bite resulting in pain in the face and jaws.  Bruxism can be a result of a number of factors, one of which is dental caries.
• Gastroesophageal reflux – reflux of stomach acid while sleeping.  This can cause chemical erosion or thinning of tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. 
• Narrow jaws – narrow jaws can restrict the amount of air that can be taken in and affect breathing leading to restless sleep

It’s important to recognize problems early, especially in a growing child.  At Dental Works 4 Kids we will monitor your child for any signs of dental disorders. In cases of acid reflux, let us know if your child has complained of any sour taste in the mouth, or if any grinding and associated jaw pain has been noticed. We may also recommend an examination by other specialists such as a Nutritionist or Ear/Nose/Throat specialist to help with any disorders.  For narrow jaws or any other dental or jaw malformations early intervention with orthodontics can greatly improve function and form to allow proper breathing during sleep.

To help ensure the benefits of a good night’s sleep on dental health, help children by having them wind down an hour or two before bed with a quieter activities such as reading books.  Avoid caffeinated drinks and make sure they have a quiet and cool sleep environment. Last but not least, make sure to brush and floss before bed!

About The Author:

Dental Works 4 Kids is a pediatric & an orthodontic health care specialist in Ontario, CA provides the highest standard of specialized and comprehensive oral health care and orthodontics for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Dental Works 4 Kids offer a safe and welcoming environment with a focus on education and prevention for families in our community.