What Happens to the Mouth While You’re Sleeping?
March 12, 2021
Sleep may be your time to rest and recharge but there’s still plenty going on in your body while you’re zoned out. Here are some examples. Has anyone told you that you snore? Have you been surprised by your own bad breath that seemed to develop overnight? Have you awakened with head or jaw pain? Has a partner noticed tooth grinding noises coming from your side of the bed? These are a few clues as to what’s happening to your mouth while you’re sleeping.
The Results of Decreased Saliva
Saliva production in the mouth slows down overnight, minimizing your need to swallow and reducing the risk of choking as you sleep. This can result in a worse smell from the active bacteria that has built up in the mouth and would otherwise be washed away or neutralized by the saliva. It can also mean you wake up with a dry mouth.
Nighttime Grinding
Some people have a condition called bruxism, which means they grind their teeth while they sleep. Often it’s not enough to wake someone up, but the individual may feel jaw pain or a headache in the morning. During your regular dental visits, our Peak Dentistry team will look for signs that your teeth look more worn down. To prevent further damage, those dealing with bruxism can wear a custom-made night guard to bed.
Sleep Apnea
Another serious, mouth-related sleep condition is sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, a person’s airway becomes blocked. This can be due to enlarged tonsils, or too much collapse or relaxation in the throat’s tissues. The result is often irregular or interrupted breathing during sleep. Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the severity of the problem. Peak Dentistry makes custom oral appliances to provide relief for many of our patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
Answers to Your Dental Questions in Clyde, NC
Do you have more questions for us? Besides custom night guards and sleep apnea treatment, the Peak Dentistry team is here for all of your dental-related matters. We invite you to contact us with your questions or concerns, or come by our Clyde dental practice for an in-person consultation.
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I don’t normally take the time to write reviews, but Peak Dentistry deserves recognition. My husband and I have been so fortunate to be a part of this practice for 10 years driving 2-1/2 hours each way to make our appointments. Drs. Joe and Gabrielle Ramellini, as well as their staff, have provided a level of dental care that reflects their expertise in the work they do that sets them apart as very unique and special. We highly recommend Peak Dentistry to anyone who is interested in quality care you can trust with a personal touch.
Absolutely love the people in this office. Very professional.
New patient visit. Office was beautiful, the treatment was 1st rate in every sense, and I was so impressed with all the latest technology.
The entire staff at Peak Dentistry is amazing, but I would like to highlight my hygienist, Missy, in particular. I went in for a regular teeth cleaning and didn't necessarily expect to be "wowed" but Missy took such care and attention to detail that I walked out of there with the pearliest whites I have ever had. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful white smile, Missy!