Good health isn't isolated to a single part of the body. In fact, your whole body health can have a massive impact on your oral health—and vice versa. For example, poor oral hygiene increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

But one of the most overlooked connections between a healthy habit and a beautiful smile is how bad sleeping habits hurt oral health. Below, this article lists four of the most common oral health issues that can arise due to poor sleeping habits.

1. Contribute to Misalignment

While you may think of your adult teeth as practically immovable, many daily activities can cause teeth to shift. Tooth movement is especially common in certain sleeping positions since the pressure on your teeth may last for long periods of time while you sleep.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your face pressed into the pillow. This position can contribute to misalignment and other complications like chronic headaches.

2. Encourage Poor Oral Hygiene

If you tend to stay up late and wake up late, you are more likely to find yourself excusing inadequate or rushed oral hygiene. Night owls may snack late into the night and forget to brush, which can contribute to bacterial growth in the mouth.

Similarly, late risers may not have time to brush thoroughly in the morning before they're expected at work or school.

3. Endanger Tooth Enamel

You can control many of your sleep habits, like the number of hours you spend in bed, but you may not even realise that you've developed certain other habits. For example, individuals who have bruxism, or teeth grinding, perform the motion involuntarily while they're sound asleep.

Bruxism can cause jaw soreness, tooth fissures and enamel issues. If you often experience mouth soreness when you wake up, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

4. Inhibit Saliva Production

While a face down sleeping position can result in misalignment, sleeping on your back with your mouth open can also harm your teeth. When you breathe through your mouth as you slumber, you create a dry oral environment that leaves teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

You may need to adjust your sleeping position in order to protect your teeth from decreased saliva production overnight.

Your oral health can also impact the quality and amount of sleep you get. For example, individuals with sleep apnea often experience less restful sleep.

If you think your sleeping habits could be affecting your smile, or vice versa, consult with your dentist.

Share