Spring into Better Sleep with Dental Care

Are you one of the 70 million Americans who suffer from problems sleeping? Have you considered that your dental health may play a bigger part in this problem than what you may originally believe? There are many ways that dental health and oral hygiene affect the rest of your overall wellbeing. If you suffer from sleep apnea, this can be caused by dental issues as well as causing dental issues itself. Let’s take a look at what sleep apnea is, what the symptoms are, what causes it, and how Falcon Dental can help you achieve better sleep with dental care! 

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep apnea involves interruptions of your breathing while you are asleep. These intermittent pauses of breathing can last for various lengths of time, and because it occurs while you are sleeping, it can be difficult to diagnose. It’s important to keep an eye out for any indicators your body may be giving you that you are lacking in quality sleep, such as grogginess, excessive fatigue, mood swings, lack of productivity, and more. These can be the first steps in reaching a sleep apnea diagnosis. 

What Are Symptoms of Sleep Apnea? 

In addition to the indicators listed above, there are some dental issues that serve as symptoms of sleep apnea. If you experience any of these or a combination of these, you may want to look into a sleep apnea diagnosis so you can pursue better sleep with dental care. 

Tooth Grinding

Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea also tend to grind their teeth at night. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or soreness, your dentist can look for signs of tooth grinding, such as flat or worn down teeth. 

Increased Cavities

When you grind your teeth, you wear away the protective enamel barrier. This can lead to increased cavities, as your teeth become more susceptible to bacteria and infection. 

Jaw Pain & Headaches

Another common side effect or symptom of sleep apnea is the tendency to clench the jaw while asleep. This can lead to sore muscles around your jaw and also may lead to headaches. If your jaw muscles are strained or stressed, it can be an indication of sleep apnea. 

What Causes Sleep Apnea? 

Just as there are several dental issues that can be caused by sleep apnea, there are also several dental conditions that can cause sleep apnea to begin with. If you are an individual with a short lower jaw, a misshapen palate, or a narrow upper airway, you may be more likely to experience sleep apnea than others. Your dentist can help determine if any of these are a factor for you and can help you work towards better sleep with dental care. 

Falcon Dental and Sleep Apnea Treatments with Dental Care

Since sleep apnea is so intertwined with dental health, your dentist can play a key part in achieving better sleep with dental care. Depending on what is determined to be the cause of your sleep apnea, there are devices similar to mouthpieces or mouthguards that you can be fitted with. This realigns your jaw and makes it easier to breathe, thus relieving the interruptions in breathing that come with sleep apnea. General dentistry offers many solutions to conditions we may suffer from. If you have found yourself searching for “dental sleep solutions near me” or “dental services near me,” we can help. Contact our team at Falcon Dental to set up a consultation appointment today!