Believe it or not, oral health and sleep quality go hand in hand. Sleep apnea and snoring can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest and cause problems for your mouth. Dry mouth and tooth decay are just some issues that may be associated with sleep disorders. Other problems like teeth crowding, misalignment, and teeth grinding can exacerbate these disorders. If you feel groggy in the mornings even after resting for a full night, a family member tells you that you snore loudly and often, and you are looking for solutions, we’re here to help. At Dental Sleep Medicine in Livonia, MI, we’ll look at what may be causing these problems and assist you in getting the help you need.
Why Do I Need to Get These Problems Checked Out?
Snoring can usually be attributed to a poor bedtime routine- things like eating large meals before bed, drinking alcohol before bed, or dozing off in a bad posture. All of these can relax the muscles that allow you to have an open airway as you snooze. If you experience snoring after establishing a bedtime routine, it might be time to see a specialist.
One of the biggest concerns associated with chronic snoring is that it may be a symptom of sleep apnea (OSA). This disorder causes pauses in breathing during your slumber and while this is a common disorder amongst people, it can be very serious. It can cause an increase in your likelihood of cardiovascular issues- such as a heart attack- weight gain, and negative effects on your mental health.
Sleep disorders can also harm your oral health. Poor quality rest is linked to dry mouth, which can further lead to problems such as tooth decay. These can lead to pain in the mouth and many procedures and treatments to heal. We understand that this can be worrisome for our patients, and that’s why we’re here to help.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Your dentist can help determine if you have a major problem and help you create a treatment plan. If you feel like you may have a hard time breathing at night, bring it up to your dentist.
Dr. Stewart and his staff look for signs such as snoring, high blood pressure, deviated septum, and more for indications that could be cause for concern. If you have a combination of the above problems, we have an assessment that you can take to find out more. Once we identify the problem, we will refer you to a specialist and you’ll be guided through every step of the process.
Be Well Rested and Have a Healthy Mouth
Treating these disorders can help a person’s entire functioning from physical, mental, and even oral health. If you’re ready to see someone about your sleep apnea and snoring, call about a consultation with Dr. Stewart and his staff in Livonia, Michigan at 734-425-4400
