Good Sleep Hygiene Can Help Your Teeth

Most people are familiar with the concept of good oral hygiene, especially anyone who comes to see us! But have you heard about sleep hygiene? Good sleep hygiene simply means habits that will help you have a good night’s sleep and with lengthening days and the change to Daylight Savings Time coming up, it’s a great time to reassess your sleeping habits. You might be able to improve your sleep quality by making a few simple changes.

Learn to Listen to Your Body Clock

Your body has its own 24-hour physiological clock and learning to listen to this clock or your circadian rhythms will help you to work with your body clock rather than against it. Most important bodily functions are synchronised to this 24-hour clock and it helps if you set a routine, for example getting up at the same time each morning. Don’t go to bed if you don’t feel tired as lying awake night after night can become a habit. Make sure you get plenty of light during the morning as this helps to regulate your body clock.

Make Your Sleeping Environment More Inviting

You will rest more easily if your bedroom is restful and comfortable. Replace your mattress if it has become uncomfortable and keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Make sure your bedroom is dark enough and if you live in a noisy area think about using earplugs. Avoid watching TV in bed or using a computer as your brain will associate your bedroom with activity rather than rest.

Before You Go To Bed

Avoid using cigarettes or alcohol. Nicotine is a stimulant and can increase your heart and raise your blood pressure, keeping you awake for longer. Alcohol is a depressant and initially you may drop off to sleep more easily but your sleep patterns are more likely to be disturbed so you won’t have sufficient restful sleep to feel refreshed in the morning. Avoiding caffeinated drinks too close to bedtime can help. Instead opt for a warm milky drink as milk contains an amino acid that helps enhance sleep. If you are stressed or worry a lot, take some time out before bed to relax your mind, or try relaxation exercises. Your regular dental care routine of brushing and flossing can also signal to your mind that it is time to get ready for sleep.

So how can better sleep hygiene improve dental health? By making sure good oral hygiene is part of your bedtime routine, you’ll ensure your mouth is clean during sleep. Ideally you want your mouth to be as clean as possible before sleep because you produce less saliva while asleep, creating the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. Relaxing as much as possible before sleep can be particularly useful if you have bruxism, where you clench and grind during the night. This condition has been linked to stress and can cause harm to your teeth, gums, jaws and jaw joints. Your body needs good quality sleep for repairs to tissues and this also applies to your mouth.
Don’t forget, daylight savings come into effect on Sunday, March 12th this year as the clocks spring forward.