Has your bed partner told you that you snore at night? Do you wake up with headaches or jaw pain? Do you constantly feel groggy and like you haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep? If so, you may suffer from a sleep condition such as sleep apnea or bruxism (clenching and grinding your teeth), which can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. Fortunately, an easy and convenient solution is available for patients in the Menomonie, Durand, Eau Claire, Baldwin, Colfax, and surrounding WI communities. Custom oral appliances at Gentle Dental Care can resolve a variety of conditions to help you feel better and preserve your health.
Sleep apnea explained
Sleep apnea is a common—yet potentially deadly—disorder that affects millions of Americans. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, often because the soft tissues in the mouth collapse into the back of the throat. When this happens, you become unable to breathe and your vital organs are depleted of the oxygen they need. At this point, your brain sends a signal to your body to awaken, which may be accompanied by a gasping or choking sensation. This cycle repeats up to hundreds of times per night, and is associated with several serious health conditions such as strokes, heart disease, and diabetes. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, difficulty concentrating during the day, headaches, and waking up with a dry mouth.
With a custom-made night guard (also called a snore guard), patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea can resolve the symptoms and start sleeping soundly again. The device places your jaw in a slightly forward position to help prevent your airway from becoming blocked. Many different types of sleep apnea oral appliances are approved by the FDA, and our dentists can work with you to determine which is the best option for your needs.
Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
Most people experience an episode of bruxism at some point in their lives due to acute stresses, but some people chronically clench and grind their teeth. When this occurs, it can cause:
- Excessive wear on your teeth
- Pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs)
- Jaw, neck, or ear pain
- Headaches
A mouth guard for teeth grinding is a simple, convenient, and effective solution. Custom-made for both comfort and durability, an oral appliance helps protect your teeth from the large forces placed upon them when you clench and grind your teeth and providing relief from your symptoms.
To learn more about oral appliance therapy and whether it is right for you, call Gentle Dental Care today! (715) 600-9004.
