Are you a light sleeper who struggles with snoring? In other words, make a call to the dentist. Your oral health may be to blame for your snoring and other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea Commack. Sleep issues are typically first identified by a dentist.
Why do you have trouble breathing?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million U.S. citizens suffer from sleep apnea. The disorder manifests itself in periodic pauses in breathing that last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur 30 times an hour or more. The weak muscles in the back of the throat, the oversized tongue, or the undersized jaw all contribute to these pauses in breathing.
Grinding your teeth
Grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism) is a common symptom of sleep apnea. A dentist looking for worn tooth surfaces can detect grinding your teeth. Wear and breaking of teeth, gum inflammation, and recession can all result from chronic teeth grinding. Grinding can also cause an increase in cavities because the action of grinding weakens the teeth, allowing cavity-causing germs to more easily penetrate the enamel.
Teeth grinding is a form of muscle tension that alerts the brain to wake up and allow the body to breathe.
One of the oral health indicators of sleep apnea is teeth grinding. Sleep apnea symptoms include excessive snoring, which can lead to a reddening of the throat and a tiny jaw.
People who wake up frequently due to gasping for air have poorer sleep quality and experience more weariness. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease are all conditions that are made worse by sleep apnea.
Will a night Mouth guard do?
Even if your sleep apnea is mild, an over-the-counter night guard might not help. If your mouth guard already shows signs of wear, it may be time to consult a dentist. A tailored guard can help alleviate sleep apnea, migraines, and jaw pain associated with teeth grinding.
I have periodontal disease; is this a symptom of anything more serious?
There may be a connection between teeth grinding and sleep apnea if there is significant deterioration.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea is persistent snoring. Daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, scratchy throat, and morning headaches are also symptoms. Take note of these and mention them to your dentist if you are experiencing them. Moreover, make sure to speak to a doctor.
