It goes without saying that dental decay and infection caused by harmful oral bacteria are among the most prominent dental concerns out there, affecting millions of adults per year. While this phenomenon can be a major threat for many, others may experience a greater threat from sleep apnea or consistent nighttime bruxism. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist will take a look at the many instances in which a custom appliance can benefit your smile and preserve your oral health.
Protecting Your Teeth from Grinding
At one point in time, you may have awoken from your slumber with a tight jaw or a sore sensation, thinking nothing more of it than sleeping in the wrong position. For many, however, this phenomenon occurs every night. Indeed, bruxism – also known as chronic teeth grinding – affects many individuals and can be brought on by environmental stressors, anxiety, and more.
Bruxism occurs when a person unconsciously clenches and grinds their teeth from side-to-side. This reaction not only causes your structures to become worn down but can result in increased chances of bacterial infection as well as discomfort and pain. With the help of a custom appliance, however, our team can help you protect your natural teeth while you sleep throughout the night.
Opening Your Airway
Another disorder that you may be affected by is obstructive sleep apnea, in which your throat muscles relax and restrict your airway. When this occurs, your brain sends signals to briefly rouse you in order to correct the problem, but the phenomenon occurs in cycles. In other words, you end up getting a restless night of slumber as you are constantly rousing and falling back asleep. In cases such as these, a custom oral appliance can be beneficial in helping keep your airway open and unrestricted, allowing air to pass smoothly while enhancing the quality of rest you receive. For more information about this process, contact our team today.
Alleviating Snoring
Sleep apnea and snoring often go hand-in-hand, as snoring can be a symptom of OSA. Typically, snoring occurs when one sleeps on their back or something obstructs the airway, causing a rumbling noise to occur. It can happen occasionally for any number of people, but when it becomes a chronic issue, it might be time to consider your options. Fortunately, our team can provide a solution with the help of oral appliance therapy. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our comfortable and convenient methods to alleviate snoring.
Learn More Today
Inconsistent or restless sleep may seem like a problem in the short-term, but in the long-run, it can become a major problem that affects your entire health. Contact Houston SleepWell in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to learn more about our custom oral appliance options, or schedule your appointment today.
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