While the importance of restful sleep is well known, few people realize the connection between sleep disorders and how they affect oral health. Sleep apnea, bruxism, and dry mouth (xerostomia) not only interfere with your ability to sleep for seven to eight hours, they also wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.
Many dental practices have started incorporating procedures and offering appliances that help alleviate the symptoms caused by these oral health and sleep disorders. Below are examples of how each of these impacts your sleep as well as your smile.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions, but your dental professional can provide the most beneficial relief. Sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night. The stoppage of breathing is often caused by having too small of a jaw.
Your dentist may be the first to notice you are experiencing sleep apnea. The condition can lead to nocturnal teeth grinding, which results in worn or broken teeth. Having a sleep study conducted can determine the best course of treatment, while continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and a custom night guard can help resolve these problems.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
For many people, nighttime teeth grinding and clenching can leave them with a sore jaw and lethargic in the morning. Also known as bruxism, this condition can also erode tooth enamel, leading to more significant issues such as decay and periodontal disease.
Patients with sleep apnea, jaw tension, and anxiety tend to experience nocturnal bruxism. Dental professionals can manufacture a custom night guard to ease discomfort and promote uninterrupted sleep while also protecting your oral health.
Dry Mouth
Not producing enough saliva is a disorder called xerostomia. Like teeth grinding, this oral health complication can evolve from stress and anxiety. Other causes are dehydration, taking certain medications, or undergoing radiation treatment. When this occurs, your mouth doesn’t have enough moisture to properly neutralize harmful plaque and bacteria.
Patients with this condition have a variety of ways to increase saliva production. Drinking more water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding caffeinated drinks are all effective ways to combat this issue.
Contact Us in Westford Today!
There are several dental complications that can prevent you from having a good night’s sleep. At Westford Dentistry, we offer patients beneficial treatments to address sleep-related oral health disturbances in Westford, Littleton, and Chelmsford. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.