Almost everyone has heard of sleep apnea, a common sleep condition that causes a person to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. The condition, which can be fairly serious, can have a wide range of adverse effects on a person’s health: depression, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, etc..
However, sleep apnea can have some lesser-known impacts, namely on your oral health. Your local dentist in Bucks County can examine your overall dental health and explore potential treatment options for this condition with you, but first, let’s get to some basics. How do you know if you have sleep apnea? Are there any signs apart from someone overhearing or witnessing it while you speak?
You may be surprised if your local dentist in Bucks County asks about your sleep patterns and how you are feeling where energy is concerned. Grinding your teeth is one of the tell-tale signs of someone with sleep apnea. Those with the condition have been shown to clench the jaw and grind the teeth, resulting in worn-down tooth surfaces, cracked or broken teeth, and even cavities. Dental health practitioners may also look for or ask about other signs and symptoms, such as painful chewing, pain in the neck and/or shoulders, and persistent headaches.
Another negative side effect that may present in patients with sleep apnea is dry mouth. Saliva is crucial to the health of your mouth, washing away bacteria and food particles and neutralizing acids that can be destructive otherwise. When the mouth lacks saliva, infection, halitosis (bad breath), and eventually tooth decay can ensue, wreaking total havoc on your oral health.
Luckily, there are plenty of dental options available for those affected by sleep apnea. Devices that keep the tongue and jaw in an acceptable position are becoming more popular with dental professionals, as they are conveniently easy to use for those with moderate symptoms. Your local dentist in Bucks County may also have some over-the-counter options, such as mouth guards to be used during sleep. These will keep the jaw forward and assist with the facilitation of proper breathing. Which treatment choice is best for you will depend on a variety of unique, individual factors, so be sure to consult with a professional to discuss your options and needs.
Our team at Yardley Dental Arts is ready to serve you and provide you with the individualized care that you deserve. Call or visit us at www.yardleydentalarts.com today to learn more.
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"My mission is to always provide extraordinary dental care in a compassionate setting. At Yardley Dental Arts, quality is key! We are NOT a high volume, high turnover office. We are patient centric office. Our practice model allows for concierge service and exclusive one on one time with the doctor and the hygienists. We pride ourselves on using premier materials, labs and the latest in dental technology including our GREEN CT 3D SCANNER, delivering high quality images at a fraction of the radiation as compared to the standard. This allows for fully customized treatment plans focusing on your specific needs and comfort level.
It’s a pleasure to serve you and your family for your comprehensive dental needs. Every one of us is passionate about what we do, and it shows! I look forward to meeting you."