3 Ways Your Dentist Can Help You Sleep
Sleeping well can play an important role in your overall health and wellbeing. As you rest during sleep, your body begins to repair and restore cells and hormones related to the growth of new tissue and bone are released. If you are having trouble sleeping, help might come from an unlikely place: your dentist. As well as keeping your teeth clean and gums healthy, your dentist can also help with a range of problems which can impact the quality of your sleep.
Snoring
The most common cause of snoring is the mouth falling open during sleep, causing you to breathe through your mouth and throat rather than your nose. This causes the soft palate, which is located in the upper back part of the mouth, to vibrate which creates the classic sound associated with snoring. The movement of air can also dry the membranes of the throat, which can exacerbate the volume of your snoring. If snoring is disrupting your sleep, your dentist will be able to fit you with a custom made mouth guard which keeps your jaw in place by supporting the bone and muscle; this prevents your mouth falling open as you sleep.
Misaligned Teeth
Although they may not seem like an obvious cause of poor sleep, misaligned teeth can have a big impact on the quality of your nightly rest. Misaligned teeth can cause your jaw muscles to be overworked, which can lead to pain in your neck, face and temples. The discomfort caused by this pain may keep you awake at night. Your dentist can fit you with braces which will help to realign your teeth, relieving the strain on your jaw.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a condition which causes you to stop breathing momentarily during sleep. Symptoms include snoring, sudden waking and morning headaches. Excessive tissue on your soft palate can cause sleep apnea by blocking the movement of air in and out of your mouth and lungs. If this is the case, your dentist may also perform a procedure to remove any excess tissue from your soft palate. This will help reduce the frequency and volume of problems associated with sleep apnea, allowing you breathe freely at night and to sleep in peace.
If you are having problems with your sleep, book an appointment with a dental professional who will be able to carry out an assessment before offering any necessary treatment.
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