Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a silent risk for all kinds of serious health problems, and it affects about 18 million people. If you regularly spend at least 8 hours in bed, but wake up still feeling groggy and fatigued, schedule a visit with Dr. Beno to check for the telltale dental signs of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Definition
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your airway is occluded (blocked) as you sleep. To keep you alive, your brain interrupts your sleep so that you can breathe again. Even though you may not remember it, your body never quite reaches the deep sleep states needed for a full night’s restorative sleep. Without the proper amount of good sleep, your risks for cardiovascular problems, stroke, safety hazards, and other health problems increase. Fortunately, your dentist can help detect sleep apnea, refer you to sleep physicians, and provide with oral sleep appliances (mouth guards) for those who cannot tolerate CPAP to prevent flaccid throat and tongue muscles from blocking your airway.
Dental Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people know snoring as one symptom of sleep apnea, but your dentist in Fort Myers can often see additional signs. One of the most common dental symptoms of sleep apnea is excess wear and tear on the teeth because of “bruxism” or overnight teeth grinding. Bruxism is common in people with sleep apnea as the brain attempts to change your position to open an occluded airway.
Additionally, some people have mouth and tongue shapes that are more likely to cause sleep apnea problems. For example, people who have a high palate or a narrow, small jaw often have more trouble with bruxism and sleep apnea. These issues, connected with chronic drowsiness during the day can indicate sleep disorders.
Sleep Apnea and TMJ Jaw Pain May Be Connected
Bruxism is also a major cause of TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder). Your temporomandibular joints are the hinge joints that connect your jawbone to your skull, and if they’re working overtime all night because of sleep apnea-related bruxism, the muscles and connective tissues of the jaw can become tight, sore, and inflamed. This can make chewing, talking, and yawning painful. Studies show that people diagnosed with TMJ often have sleep apnea as well. Your dentist can help you get jaw pain relief and an open airway so that you can sleep better at night!
Dental Solutions for Sleep Apnea
Folks who have mild to moderate sleep apnea may benefit from using customized mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These devices are custom-made to fit your bite and can keep your airway open overnight by gently nudging your lower jaw forward so that the throat and tongue muscles don’t narrow. This can also prevent bruxism and help reduce TMJ jaw pain if they are connected to your sleep apnea. Most patients notice significant improvements in their sleep and alertness levels during the day after using one of these customized devices.
The Dentist Fort Myers Neighbors Trust for Sleep Apnea Relief
Dr. Beno has collaborated with local sleep physicians and other medical specialists to help many patients with the connected issues of sleep apnea and TMJ disorders with custom-made oral sleep devices that help them get a better night’s sleep. If you haven’t been sleeping well, your partner complains of snoring, or your jaw aches in the morning, call us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment plan. You deserve a good night’s sleep at last!
