Oral health encompasses more than just maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Issues such as snoring or interrupted rest can affect your dental well-being too. If your rest is often disturbed by you or a family’s members loud snoozes, it could be a sign of a more serious disorder. Your El Paso, TX, dental team may be able to diagnose and treat this condition.
Your Quality Of Sleep Affects Your Well-Being
Why is your dentist concerned about your potential sleep problems? These issues can cause side effects on your physical, mental, and oral health. The quality of your slumber is just as important as the number of hours that you get each night. If your rest is interrupted by loud snoring or pauses in breathing throughout the night, it can begin to harm your health. Patients with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may also experience problems such as bruxism, TMJ, dry mouth, and more. These conditions can harm your teeth and gums and may make you more likely to develop cavities and other problems.
Is It Snoring Or Something More?
Snoring is a very common problem that affects millions of patients in the US. These loud sounds happen when your airway is blocked. It is a common belief that these snoozes mean you are getting good sleep. In reality, this can disrupt your rest and make it hard to fully recuperate from the day. As a result, you may wake up in the morning feeling tired. If you regularly experience harsh breathing sounds, it could be a sign of OSA. This disorder causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. OSA is dangerous because it can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, and many other harmful side effects. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you can discuss your concerns with your dentist at your next appointment. They may be able to help diagnose the problem and discuss treatment options.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Your dentist may ask you questions such as your sleep habits, symptoms, and health history to help assess the problem. After diagnosing the condition, treatment options can be discussed. Many patients may benefit from using an oral appliance. This device helps keep your airways open at night, allowing you to breath with more ease. An oral appliance may be a comfortable and effective alternative to a CPAP machine. If you struggle with conditions such as bruxism or TMJ, this appliance may be able to help reduce your symptoms as well.
Learn More About Your Treatment Options
If you or a loved one frequently snore, we may be able to help. Call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000 to schedule an appointment.