In this blog from Vibrant Square Dental, we go over the oral health risks of falling asleep without brushing your teeth–such as getting cavities in your sleep.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities, which are also called tooth decay, are caused by bacteria that live in our mouths. When we eat sugary or starchy foods and drinks, these bacteria create acids that break down tooth enamel and form permanent holes in teeth. To prevent cavities, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water after eating and to maintain a daily brushing and flossing routine.
Can You Get Cavities In Your Sleep?
- As you sleep, your saliva production decreases. When you sleep, your body produces less saliva which provides an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to grow. This is why you may have bad breath in the morning – the bacteria and germs have been able to multiply throughout the night. Brushing your teeth before bed and when you wake up is recommended in order to help manage the bacteria levels. If this isn’t done, the bacteria and germs will continue to multiply and release waste.
- Bacteria in your mouth feed off food residue and release acid that can damage your tooth enamel as you sleep. These bacteria may be uncomfortable, but you can control them. Depending on your oral hygiene, each tooth can have anywhere from 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria living on it. As you drift off to sleep, these tiny organisms consume the food particles that are trapped between your teeth and under your gums. The waste they leave behind is acidic and can erode your enamel and cause tooth decay and gum disease. To reduce the number of bacteria and prevent oral health issues, make sure to brush and floss your teeth before going to bed.
If You Think You Have A Cavity, Make An Appointment With Your Dentist ASAP
It is essential that people of all ages visit the dentist if they have any kind of cavities, as dentists are highly trained to diagnose and fix them. If cavities are left untreated, however, they can cause a painful tooth abscess, along with the risk of tooth loss and the infection spreading to other parts of the body. If you let a cavity fester, it could potentially cause serious harm to your mouth, head, neck, and beyond. For this reason, it is essential to get dental treatment for cavities as soon as possible.
You’re In Good Hands With Vibrant Square Dental
At Vibrant Square Dental, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive excellent care in a family-focused environment. We strive to staff individuals who are experts in their field and know how to deliver a comfortable and welcoming experience. General and family dentistry is the core of our practice, and we want to introduce you to the services we offer at our clinic in Vaughan, Ontario.
Every visit to our clinic will begin with an exam and consultation. You’ll receive instructions on how to care for your teeth properly and what treatments we offer to help address your oral health concerns. As a family dental practice, we’ll help you understand how your oral health changes as you age. We’re here for your whole family, from the first tooth to caring for your adult teeth.
An essential part of any oral health care plan is visiting your dentist twice a year. These visits will always include a dental exam, professional cleaning, and guidance about how we can help improve your oral health. We’re always accepting new patients if you’re looking for a new dental provider. We’re dedicated to building lasting relationships with our patients at our office. As your family changes and grows, we’ll be here to meet your dental needs. For an appointment, call us today at 905-553-3004.
