If you are suffering from a sleep disorder, you most likely won’t only be worrying about the quality of your rest but also about your oral health. Sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea are the two most common sleep disorders that affect oral health. This is essentially why there’s a growing demand for custom mouthguards that are meant to be worn at night by sleep disorder sufferers. However, have you ever thought about how these oral devices can help?
In this article, we will share about the two common sleep disorders and how custom mouthguards can help:
Sleep Bruxism
Sleep bruxism is the medical term for teeth clenching and grinding, which is common while you rest. It can eventually become bothersome because it can affect your quality of slumber and of the person next to you. Generally, tooth sensitivity, pain, and tooth damage are some of the symptoms of sleep bruxism.
The pain associated with sleep bruxism usually occurs in the jaw, neck, face, or in some cases, it manifests into a headache, particularly in the temple area. Some may also feel the pain that is similar to an earache.
It’s natural for patients who suffer from bruxism to find it challenging to open or close their jaw completely, which is also why some have jaw fatigue or tight feelings. Unfortunately, this condition is common to children due to several reasons. For one, teeth grinding is believed to be a child’s response to pain from teething or earaches. Another reason is the issues with jaw alignment between the top and bottom teeth.
However, the good news is that children can grow out of it, and most of them do!
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night—these pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes. People who suffer from this disorder snores and suffer from sleep disturbance, in which some patients would wake up gasping for air.
Sleep apnea is associated with oral health because it is often the first sign of bruxism, which can cause tooth wear and breakage. It can also cause inflamed gums. On top of that, a small jaw, tongue with scalloped edges, or redness in the throat are signs of sleep apnea as well.
The Importance of a Custom Mouthguard
Custom mouthguards are an effective way to address teeth grinding, which is why it is often highly recommended to be worn at night while you sleep. It is similar to a retainer, where it features a piece of plastic covering the top of the bottom teeth that prevents the top and bottom teeth from grinding together.
Moreover, custom mouthguards will hold the lower jaw to keep the airway open, preventing the tongue and throat muscles from collapsing into the upper airway. With this, it avoids blockages of the airway to help you rest soundly throughout the night.
To get this oral device, you need to have your teeth checked first. Your dentist will know right off the bat if you have sleep bruxism by merely checking the state of your teeth. They will then recommend you to a sleep doctor if you have symptoms of sleep apnea, and your dentist will prepare a custom mouthguard that you can use every night while you rest.
Conclusion
A custom mouthguard can do wonders for your oral health, especially if you suffer from the two sleep disorders mentioned above. Rest assured that you don’t have to suffer too long alone. All you need is to visit a reliable dentist, and they will make a mouthguard that will suit you perfectly.
If you are looking for a reputable dentist in Mansfield, Texas, Ivy Rose Family Dentistry can help you with your dental needs. We provide high-quality mouthguards for different conditions to ensure your oral health is cared for. Get in touch with us today to make an appointment!
