Dentistry in and of itself is a complex practice with a number of categories. What’s more? Each category contains its own specialty of treatments, procedures, and practices. The reason for this is because there are simply so many factors out there that can influence your oral health, that it is best to ensure all bases are covered. While dental decay and infection may be among the most common concerns, they are certainly far from the only ones. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist discusses a few indicators of a sleep issue or disorder, as well as steps you can take to seek necessary treatment.
Daily Fatigue and Trouble with Focus
There are a great many of situations and circumstances that can influence your dental health, and some of them you might not even associate with your smile! For instance, a dangerous sleeping disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can actually cause oral complications as well as negatively influence your overall physical health.
OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, causing the airway to become restricted. As a result, your brain sends signals to briefly rouse you from slumber to correct the issue. This cycle then repeats throughout the night, and you may even experience periodic episodes of stunted breathing and snoring.
An immediate effect of OSA includes hypersomnia during the day, trouble paying attention, overall irritability and fatigue, and insomnia at night. In the long term, this phenomenon can lead to heart complications, liver problems, troubles with surgeries and medications, and much more. If you suspect you are experiencing sleep apnea, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team today.
A Sore or Tense Jaw
Another common indicator you may have a sleep issue is if you wake up in the morning with a sore or tense jaw. Indeed, this could be a direct result of chronic teeth-grinding, also known as bruxism.
Major effects of bruxism include wearing down your teeth, an increased risk of infection, and increased structural fragility, meaning your teeth have a higher chance of chipping and cracking due to being brittle. What’s more? Without proper treatment, this phenomenon could lead to the development of a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. To learn more, contact our office.
Exhausted Partners
It can be difficult to discern if you are experiencing a sleeping issue on your own, but a telltale sign is an exhausted partner that is constantly being awoken by incessant snoring. Indeed, sometimes it takes a second perspective to shed some light on a situation, and if this is the case for you, we encourage you to visit our team to learn about your options.
Schedule a Visit
Contact SleepWell Houston in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 to schedule your next appointment with our office today and learn about your sleep issue options.
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