Sleep disorders affect many Americans, and often these instances progress without a diagnosis for years or even decades. Some of these affect our jaw in ways that you might not even think. Issues such as snoring might be a symptom of the larger concern of sleep apnea. This is the momentary pause of breath while unconscious, due to an obstruction in the airway. This can lead to serious health concerns such as an elevated blood pressure. Moreover, apnea can play a role in heart attacks and strokes, so don’t ignore this risk!
Other patients develop issues through the grinding and gnashing of teeth. This concern is known as bruxism, and it can lead to serious consequences in the quality of your smile. Your issue may lead to wear upon the enamel, or your chewing surface. Not only can this become unappealing, it also can lead to infection and pain. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist talks about the two most common concerns affecting your oral health at night, and how a custom-fitted mouthguard may be able to help you!
Recapture Your Breath
One of the most common issues affecting people’s sleep comes through sleep apnea. Since this can hide as loud snoring, you might not even be aware that you have this concern. In fact, many times patients will be urged to seek care from a loved one or partner, who is upset by how they see you. Don’t dismiss these concerns, as this can often be quite jarring for them.
Apnea can also cause serious long-term health disadvantages, as well. This population is more likely to see higher rates of blood pressure, leading to a greater vulnerability to heart attack and stroke. These conditions are life-threatening, so taking the time to correct your sleep can pay off in the end.
A custom mouthguard may be helpful in bringing you a fantastic night full of sleep. This slightly repositions your jaw so that you are able to adequately breathe throughout the night. This is also much less intrusive than a CPAP machine or a surgical option!
Nightly Dental Damage
Another chief concern for patients with sleep disorders is through a condition called bruxism. This is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth. Any form of unconscious jaw collision falls under this umbrella, and it can lead to serious damage within your mouth.
You may wear the tops of incisors and molars, leaving your enamel to fade away. When this happens, the internal structures underneath become exposed to the bacteria and trauma of the outside world. This activity can be strong enough to actually crack a tooth!
A custom mouthguard may be able to help you avoid this sort of damage as well. Speak to us today about the possibility of oral protection!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
