One of the most dangerous times in our oral health is while we are sleeping. If you forget to brush your teeth before bed, you allow hours worth of damage to go unhindered, for instance. There is simply a large amount of time while we are unconscious, and therefore cannot protect ourselves in the same wy we do while we are awake.
Our jaws are an instance like this, and we can do major harm overnight without even noticing. There are two common oral activities that we tend to do during this time. The first of these is sleep apnea, where we momentarily pause our breaths due to an obstruction of the airway. The other concern comes from bruxism, known to most as grinding or gnashing of the teeth. This can wear down our enamel and expose vital parts of our dental structures. Both of these can be very damaging to the strength of your mouth, so today, your Cerritos, CA dentist shows how night guards might be able to bring you relief without interrupting your sleep!
Breathe Freely Again
For patients with sleep apnea, they may not even know that they have the condition. Often, it is a loved one or a partner who notices the activity, and it can be quite troubling for those who are not used to it. This is the momentary pause of breath, when the structures of the throat block the flow of air. Most often, this happens when our muscles relax during REM sleep. The position in which you sleep might add to the problem.
Our custom-fitted mouthguards hold the jaw a little bit further forward than you normally do, and this little action can do wonders in opening up the airway of an apnea patient. The condition can lead to serious health concerns if you ignore it, so don’t feel like you need to push through because you always have! Apnea patients are at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, so this is important to monitor.
Grinding Concerns
If you chew, grind, gnash, or move your jaw together in any way, you are most likely suffering from a condition known as bruxism. This is a common condition that can lead to serious damage to your smile, in a few different ways.
You can wear down your enamel, flattening molars and shortening incisors. This can expose the interior workings of your teeth, leading to an unappealing appearance that is at risk of infection. Alignment concerns may also be exacerbated with this condition.
A night guard can create a soft landing spot for your jaw, and control your movement. This can relieve stress not only in your teeth, but your jaw and neck, as well!
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.
