If you find yourself tired before lunchtime even hits, it may be due to unconscious movements of your jaw. This overnight motion can be associated with sleep apnea, where you momentarily stop breathing due to an obstructed airway. This also might lead to snoring, and if your partner or loved ones tell you that you have that condition, it might be something that can seriously affect your health. Apnea patients are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, and they often just feel lousy throughout the day.
This motion can also cause major damage to your teeth and other structures of the mouth. Grinding and clenching are known professionally as bruxism, and if you allow this to continue, it can lead to serious harm. Today, your Seattle, WA dentist explains how you may be able to avoid all of these concerns through the nightly use of a custom-fitted mouthguard!
A Full Night’s Rest
For patients with sleep apnea, every day may become a chore. And that is understandable, when you miss out on a decent rest for years on end. Some patients have reported decades of issues! Don’t let this wait, a custom-fitted mouthguard can be a simple, non-surgical option for you. Your condition can lead to serious health concerns far beyond your throat.
Since you stop receiving oxygen during these pauses, this can be very serious. Apnea patients on the whole have higher blood pressure levels, and lower blood oxygen numbers. This increases the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks, so do not dismiss your issue as simple snoring. This could be dangerous!
Our mouthguards position your jaw slightly forward. This is not enough to become uncomfortable, but it opens the airway to allow you to breathe freely throughout the night. Speak with a trained oral health professional about how this simple activity might revolutionize your life!
Protect Your Smile
The unconscious movement of the jaw can lead to problems within the mouth, as well. This is known as bruxism and there are two forms of this condition. There are both awake and sleeping types, and for those who suffer at night, this can be particularly difficult to address. Our mental defenses are down, so there simply isn’t an effective way of stopping this.
But the damage can be significant. The constant wear of the tops of your teeth might lead them to become worn down. Molars become flattened and incisors shortened, and this is neither ideal for your appearance or your mouth’s functionality.
When the damage becomes extensive, infections may set within a tooth. This most likely will result in a root canal, and can be incredibly painful. A nightly-worn mouthguard may be able to stop this damage before it occurs. This can also harm your alignment, as well!
Do Not Wait!
Schedule an appointment today, and we can talk about your pregnancy and how it affects your oral health! Call Ballard Neighborhood Dentist office in Seattle, WA, today at 206-789-2555. We also proudly serve the residents of Shoreline, Edmonds, Crown Hill, Loyal Heights, and all surrounding communities.
