SLEEP TIGHT, SMILE RIGHT HOW REST AFFECTS ORAL HEALTH
THE MOUTH AND POOR SLEEP We all know how important it is to brush our teeth before bed. It’s the best protection against harmful bacteria multiplying in our mouths while we sleep. However, when our quality of sleep declines, for whatever reason, our bodies respond by a decrease in saliva flow, resulting in a dry mouth. This saliva reduction increases bacterial growth and the formation of bacterial films, leading to tooth decay and bad breath. Inflammation can also increase, which can accelerate the progression of gum disease, potentially leading to tooth loss. Other conditions can also affect sleep quality and oral health. SLEEP APNEA Does your bed partner snore and keep you awake? If so, they may have sleep apnea, characterized by an obstructed airway. Individuals with this condition wake up multiple times throughout the night, preventing them from achieving deep sleep. Besides keeping you awake, it may be a sign of a more serious condition for them. If you suspect you or your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, we can screen you for the condition and refer you to a sleep physician, if needed. After a
diagnosis, we’ll work with your sleep physician to make and monitor oral sleep appliances to alleviate the condition so you both can get better sleep. I’ve taken over 150 hours of dental sleep medicine training and am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. BRUXISM Even if you do sleep through the night, do you frequently wake up with a sore jaw? If so, you may be unconsciously clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during sleep. While it may not present a bacterial problem, it wears down teeth and can lead to cracked or broken teeth — which can destroy a smile. So, if you frequently wake up with soreness in the jaw area, give us a call. We can provide you with custom-fit night guards to protect your teeth and relax your jaw. At Exceptional Smiles, we are committed to guiding you toward a future where your sleep is sound so your smiles can be healthy. We want your mornings to be met with renewed vigor and a bright, pain-free smile. After all, a great day and a beautiful smile start with a good night’s sleep and a healthy dental routine!
It’s well known that a good night’s sleep impacts our overall mood and energy levels, but did you know it also influences our oral health? In the spirit of National Sleep Awareness Week, March 10–16, we would like to identify a few conditions that interfere with a good night’s rest, and what you can do to ensure better sleep and a healthier smile.
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This chicken tikka masala recipe is a tantalizing journey for your taste buds.
Q: What falls during March but never gets hurt? A: The rain.
Ingredients •
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
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1 onion, diced
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 14-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp garam masala
Q: How can you tell the weather’s getting warmer? A: There’s a spring in people’s step.
Directions 1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. 4. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. 5. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
Q: What type of bow can’t be tied? A: A rainbow.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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