Cavities In Your Sleep And How To Prevent Them

You probably know a cavity as a hole in your tooth. However, most people do not realize the connection between a good night’s sleep and healthy teeth. La Jolla Dental Image will explain how the tooth decay process starts, how your sleeping habits can affect your oral health, and how to stop or even reverse it to prevent tooth decay. 

How Do Cavities Form?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Hundreds of different species live on our teeth, gums, tongue, and elsewhere in our mouths. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful, such as those involved in the tooth decay process. Tooth decay is the result of infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugar in food to make acid. Over time, these acids can leave a hole in the tooth. When teeth are regularly exposed to acid, the repeated cycles of acid erosion cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals which gradually causes tooth decay. Unfortunately, this tooth decay process can worsen in your sleep, especially for people with certain conditions and habits. 

Sleep Apnea Causes A Dry Mouth

People who snore or sleep with their mouths open due to a lack of saliva production are more susceptible to opportunistic bacterial infections. A dry mouth increases the opportunity for harmful bacteria to digest the sugars in leftover food. This causes plaque and cavities to form on the teeth. Saliva is needed to coat and moisten the oral tissues of the teeth, as it is also needed to clean the mouth by washing dead cells from the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Saliva also helps protect teeth and gums by acting as a buffer, neutralizing harmful bacteria and other microbes that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important that if you have sleep apnea, see your dentist as soon as possible to find solutions for maintaining good oral health and preventing cavities.

Bruxism Hurts Your Teeth

If you wake up each morning with jaw pain or a headache, you may have bruxism. Clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping is perfectly normal and many people do it, but if it happens regularly, it can damage your teeth. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to cracked enamel, excessive wear, tension headaches, jaw pain, chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and toothaches.

There are many causes of bruxism, with stress being the main one, but external factors such as smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can also play a role. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help reduce tooth wear, including oral splints, a special mouthguard that you can wear while you sleep, and act as a cushion to absorb excess force from grinding your teeth. Other forms of non-oral treatment include stress management therapy, relaxation techniques, and regular exercise.

Protecting Your Oral Health 

Besides seeking professional advice for sleeping conditions and poor habits there are several things you can do at home to protect your teeth. Practicing good dental hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and mouthrinse is the best way to take care of your teeth. Regular dental checkups with your dentists also go a long way to keeping your teeth, gums, and other dental problems under control.

If you are interested in restorative, emergency, or cosmetic treatments to improve your smile from cavities and other dental issues or want to seek dental preventive care near La Jolla, CA, La Jolla Dental Image is ready to serve you with the latest technology, innovations, and procedures. Call  858-202-0481 to book a consultation with Dr. Wali Hamidy.