It can be tough sometimes to secure a full night’s rest, but a sufficient amount of sleep is crucial to your general well-being. What you might not realize is that there are some impediments to sleep that your dentist can address. One reason people fail to rest properly is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea robs you of oxygen for frequent periods, and your body must awaken to address this. Many people believe the only way to stop this from happening is with the use of a CPAP machine, but this is not always the case. Your dentist can treat sleep apnea without a CPAP machine – you can have a custom mouth guard made that blocks the closure of your airways while you sleep. If you wake up in pain because of issues with your face, teeth, or jaws, your dentist may be able to provide relief.

Why Addressing Sleep Apnea Is Important

The longer you ignore sleep apnea, the longer you go without a good night’s rest. You may find it hard to focus, and your short-term memory can be affected. Being groggy during the day can increase your risk of dozing off while you drive. It is especially important to seek treatment if you have existing issues with hypertension, as it can exacerbate this condition.

Bruxism, TMD, And Your Oral Health

Bruxism may be at the root of sensitive teeth, dental damage, and pains in your face and jaw. Your dentist can stop you from grinding your teeth at night by having you wear a mouth guard at night. The guard is designed just for you. Bruxism has been cited as a possible cause of TMD, which can cause you pain throughout the day.