At 1st Family Dental we believe in the true connection between oral health and whole body health. Adequate and healthy sleep is a very important element in maintaining a healthy body and immune system. Have you or a loved one experienced any of the following symptoms relating to your sleeping habits?
- Persistent and loud snoring – sometimes so loud it disrupts your sleep and/or wakes up your sleep partner
- Clenching or grinding teeth during sleep – also persistent and may even be loud enough to wake you or your sleep partner
- Feeling exhausted despite having slept a reasonable amount of time
- Tightness or pain in jaw joints
- Dull headache originating from the temples
- Sore or raw spots from chewing the inside of your cheek
If persistent, any of the above symptoms may point towards a sleep disorder such as bruxism or sleep apnea. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your dentist or physician. Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, and corrective measures include the CPAP machine or in some cases an oral appliance. Your dentist can help you alleviate the symptoms of bruxism by recommending a combination of behavior modification techniques, orthodontics if the cause is malocclusion, as well as an oral appliance such as a night guard.
