Sleep is rather essential for a child’s functioning and development, and it is not an exception for the progression of oral health. A Marysville, WA dentist may well have stressed the role of sleep in the overall development and processes in the body including the growth of teeth and gum tissues. A study found that children who did not get enough sleep or slept at unusual times experienced adverse effects on their mouths and teeth for the rest of their lives. Teeth movement, jaw, and oral tissue growth all need proper support and this can only be supported by the right amount of and quality sleep in children.
How can sleep affect the development of teeth?
Sleep has an impact on numerous functions in the human body and this includes the growth and development of teeth. During deep sleep, the body has time to effect repairs to damaged cells and tissues, and the growth of new tissue as well. This is especially so for children since their teeth: are in the process of development. Adequate sleep makes it possible for the body to perform all these restorative roles well. However, sleep deprivation may also affect the normal growth of teeth and may not align adequately or may delay the coming of permanent teeth. Promoting sufficient sleep in a child cuts down on complications when it comes to the formation of the teeth and the general well-being of the child.
How is sleep important in the prevention of bruxism in children?
Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth referred to as bruxism is a prevalent condition among children in their early years of growth and learning, the situation is usually worsened by irregular sleep patterns. Lack of sleep or low-quality sleep will always lead to anxiety or stress and such cases will lead to bruxism. Such action can lead to teeth wearing as well as causing aching in the jaws and face in children. This would ideally support a good sleeping system and thus reduce the impact of bruxism on teeth reducing the amount of potential damage. It is best to have a proper rest to avoid the formation of this habit and maintain strong oral health.
What role do sleep disturbances play in relation to the oral health of children, in particular their gums?
Sleep disturbances inclusive of irregular sleeping patterns as well as sleep apnoea also play an equivalent role in instigating gum diseases in children. Sleeping for a few hours reduces the body’s immune system thus making it easy for the body to be vulnerable to the worst infections like gingivitis. In the case of children, this may include gum that is swollen or blood-stained and is a sign of early gum problems. Healthy sleep on the other hand maintains the immune system thus, decreases the chances of gum infections and encourages healthy gums. This link explains why it is crucial to ensure that you get adequate sleep to improve the dental health of the teeth and the gums.
How Can Parents Help Their Children Develop Good Sleeping Habits in Order To Improve Their Oral Health?
Due to the effects that the duration of child sleeping may have on their oral health, parents should ensure that they take their child through a proper bedtime process and should ensure that the child sleeps for the recommended hours depending on his or her age. They include ensuring that the surroundings are conducive, minimizing the use of gadgets at night, and exercising during the day. Also, parents need to check the regularity of oral health and talk to a dentist to treat their child’s sleep-related problems during the night, including teeth grinding. Practicing good sleep right in children will pay a lot of dividends in the future as it plays an important role in the general as well as oral health of children.
Conclusion
Biological factors affecting the development of oral health in children are influenced by sleep patterns. The healthy development of oral structures, including the teeth, as well as having a proper arrangement of these structures, decreasing the possibility of teeth grinding, and having healthier gums all reigned from good quality sleep. The study in this paper shows that parents have the biggest responsibility for the formation of proper sleep schedules for their children, which has repercussions on their dental health. Thus, guaranteeing children get enough sleep will make them have healthy teeth and gums thus a healthy mouth for life.