Abnormal Bite or Misaligned Teeth

The position of your jaw and teeth can influence teeth grinding [1]. If you have an abnormal bite (also called a malocclusion) or crooked teeth, you’re at greater risk to grind your teeth than someone who has proper jaw and teeth alignment.

Fortunately, most cases of malocclusion can be treated with oral appliances such as orthodontic treatment. People who have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may also be at increased risk to grind their teeth, and should seek treatment for this condition to potentially improve their bruxism [2].

Stress and Anxiety

Many cases of teeth grinding are suspected to be caused by stress [3]. People who experience chronic stress or suffer from an anxiety disorder may be more likely to grind their teeth either while asleep or awake.

Taking steps to reduce your stress and anxiety may help improve your bruxism; however, while you seek treatment, getting a mouthguard from your dentist is essential to protect your teeth from further damage.

Sleep Disorders

The link between bruxism and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well documented. People who have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea are more likely to experience bruxism.

Fortunately, research suggests that treating sleep apnea may help eliminate bruxism entirely [4]. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other Causes

Other research has linked teeth grinding to tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse [5]. The reason for this isn’t exactly clear, but the association could mean people who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more likely to grind their teeth.

Caffeine consumption has also been linked to bruxism, suggesting that people who suffer from teeth grinding may want to reduce or eliminate their caffeine consumption in the hours before bed to potentially help the disorder.

Don’t Ignore Bruxism!

Bruxism can wear down teeth over time, leading to flattened or shortened teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even teeth fractures. An exam with your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth and help uncover the cause to stop your bruxism and protect your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529927/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/A_new_way_for_TMJ
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592147
5. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30541-4/fulltext

The post How to Identify the Cause of Your Bruxism appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although dentists cannot provide an official diagnosis for sleep apnea, these professionals are
often the first people to come into contact with the disorder and can provide further guidance
and even initiate treatment.

Here’s how your dentist can help with your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Since patients usually see their dentist more often than their primary care doctor, your dentist
is often able to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea before your doctor is able to
make the diagnosis.

These signs and symptoms include enamel erosion as a result of dry mouth from snoring, teeth
grinding (bruxism), and inflamed gum tissue.

Your dentist may ask you questions such as whether or not you wake up with a headache, if you
snore, if you have other health conditions linked with sleep apnea—such as high blood
pressure—or if you feel fatigued throughout the day.

Getting a Diagnosis

If your dentist suspects you may be suffering from sleep apnea, he or she can refer you to a
sleep specialist for an official diagnosis.

Although dentists are trained to recognize and treat sleep apnea, a confirmed diagnosis from a
sleep specialist is required before treatment can be done. This is to ensure you’re getting the
correct diagnosis and treatment plan that you need to get better.

Your sleep specialist will likely recommend you have an overnight sleep study done to
determine if you have sleep apnea. Once a diagnosis is made, you can talk about your options
and come up with the right course of treatment for you.

Receiving Treatment

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have long been the traditional
form of treatment for sleep apnea, many patients are unable to comply with this form of
treatment due to discomfort or inconvenience.

This is where your dentist comes in. Your dentist can help treat your sleep apnea through oral
sleep appliances, which aren’t much different from a retainer but will slightly shift your jaw
forward in order to keep your airway open while sleeping, therefore eliminating your cessation
of breathing during sleep and reducing your sleep apnea symptoms.

People who receive oral sleep appliance therapy from their dentist are often more able to
comply with their treatment and see their sleep apnea symptoms disappear once they begin
getting a good night’s sleep again.

Since sleep apnea can affect your entire life, from your daily performance to your risk for
chronic diseases, getting an official diagnosis is essential to receiving the right treatment that
can help restore your quality of life. Your dentist is an integral part of this process, so visit your
dentist today if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea!

The post How Does a Dentist Diagnose Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Snoring or Difficulty Breathing

Snoring is one of the most common signs of OSA. This symptom combined with difficulty breathing through your nose (which can often create the snoring that comes with mouth breathing during sleep) are signs that you need to be evaluated for sleep apnea. This includes if you have sinus trouble or trouble breathing through your nose as a result of allergies.

Headaches and Fatigue

If you have headaches upon waking, this could be a sign that your body isn’t getting the proper amount of oxygen while sleeping due to obstructed breathing. Fatigue during the day may indicate that you aren’t getting the proper rest you need because of constant waking during the night to resume normal breathing. See your doctor—you may have OSA!

Obesity and Large Neck Circumference

If you’re obese and have a large neck, the size and mass of your neck could be contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. This is because the muscles that help control your airway may collapse during sleep, leading to an inability to breathe. Obesity is a risk factor for OSA and combined with other symptoms such as snoring and fatigue, could indicate OSA.

Being Restless, Irritable, and Unfocused

Not being able to sleep properly can make you restless at night. If you have trouble sleeping, an obstructed airway could be preventing you from getting a proper night’s rest. This may lead you to be irritable and unfocused the next day, especially as the problem continues over time. You may not be able to concentrate or have trouble regulating your moods. Your doctor can refer you to a sleep specialist to see if OSA could be the culprit behind your symptoms.

Jaw Pain or Acid Reflux

Did you know that having temporomandibular joint disorder (often referred to as TMJ or TMD) can influence whether or not you have OSA? This is because your jaw determines the position of your tongue in the mouth. When your jaw is misaligned, your airway can easily become obstructed by improper tongue placement during sleep.

There may also be a link between acid reflux and sleep apnea, although the connection isn’t clear yet—some researchers speculate that acid reflux may cause the muscles that control the airway to spasm during sleep, therefore resulting in breathing problems.

Having a Family History of OSA

Always know your family’s medical history—a family history of OSA or another type of sleep apnea is a risk factor in whether or not you will develop sleep apnea!

Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that can increase your risk for chronic diseases and even premature death. Get evaluated by a physician for sleep apnea if you have any of the above signs—a simple oral sleep appliance can help keep your airway open during sleep and result in a proper night’s rest and better health!

The post What Are the Signs That You Should Be Evaluated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

As a result of the body being woken up so often during the night (as few as five and as many as thirty or more times every night), obstructive sleep apnea causes the body undue stress. Therefore, people with sleep apnea are more at risk for chronic disease or health conditions such as:

 High blood pressure

 Heart disease (therefore increasing your risk for heart attacks and stroke)

 Obesity

 Sexual dysfunction (may manifest as erectile dysfunction in males)

 Type 2 diabetes

 Depression

 Decrease in cognitive abilities, such as thinking or remembering

 Fatigue during the daytime, which may result in accidents or injuries

 Premature death

In addition to causing the body stress, the decreased levels of oxygen in the body because of trouble breathing can cause these health problems as well. Not to mention not getting enough sleep or being constantly disturbed during your sleep—whether or not you’re aware of it—makes for poor health.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of OSA

More than 25 million American adults have sleep apnea! You’re more likely to have sleep apnea if you:

 Are overweight or obese

 Are male

 Have a family history of sleep apnea

 Are older

 Smoke or drink alcohol, especially frequently

People who have obstructive sleep apnea typically snore, may be extremely tired during the day, wake up with a dry mouth or a headache, or even have difficulty focusing on tasks throughout the day. If you find yourself waking often during the night gasping, experiencing a decreased sex drive, or have unexplained mood changes, schedule a visit with your doctor to see if you could be suffering from OSA.

What Can You Do?

Many people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from oral sleep appliances. Often, dentists are among the first health care professionals that notice the signs of sleep apnea. This is because their patients may experience dry mouth from mouth breathing or snoring, therefore decreasing saliva content and making an ideal environment for bad bacteria to cause enamel erosion, tooth decay, and bad breath!

Your dentist can recommend you to a sleep specialist to be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a diagnosis, you can talk with your dentist about how an oral appliance can help. Since the airway is blocked during sleep in OSA, dental appliances can help keep the airway open and prevent collapse, therefore resulting in a more satisfying night’s sleep and making an effective treatment for OSA!

Talk to your primary care physician or your dentist about OSA. Your partner may have complained about your snoring, or you may feel fatigued and moody during the day without understanding why. OSA could be the cause of your health concerns and can lead to chronic health problems if not addressed. Find out if you suffer from OSA today!

The post Understand the Health Impacts of Obstructive Sleep Apnea appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.