Do you often feel like you don’t get a good night’s sleep? When your sleep is disrupted, it’s not only unpleasant, it can be bad for your overall health. There are lots of reasons you might be sleeping poorly, and your dentist can be your ally in discovering or ruling out certain causes.
1. Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which your upper airways close off and interrupt your breathing while you sleep. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Routine loud snoring
- Waking gasping for air
- Feeling overly fatigued during the day
- Falling asleep unintentionally in the daytime
If you think you may have OSA, talk to your doctor. To properly diagnose OSA, you will have to do an overnight sleep study. Many people diagnosed with OSA can be treated using an oral appliance, a small, plastic device that you place in your mouth while sleeping that helps keep your airways open. Your dentist can help to fit you with an oral appliance made specifically for your unique needs.
2. Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can also cause you to sleep poorly. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, your sleep might be disrupted by the sound of the grinding, hard clenching, or associated pain. Some signs that you might be grinding your teeth include:
- Pain in your teeth, mouth or jaw
- A clicking or popping sound in your jaw
- Visibly worn down teeth
- Sensitive teeth
If you’re thinking these sound like you, talk to your dentist. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and mouth to help determine if you are grinding your teeth. Often, teeth grinding can be treated with a mouthguard, which your dentist can custom-make for you.
Don’t neglect your sleep. Talk to someone.
Your sleep is important to your health, so don’t ignore signs that you’re not getting adequate sleep. Give us a call or open a chat, and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation for you.
