Oral appliances in the form of night guards can be used to treat a variety of dental issues. At our office, we often recommend night guards to patients who are suffering from sleep apnea or bruxism, also known as teeth grinding.
Bruxism
Many patients suffer with bruxism, or teeth grinding, without even knowing it. The majority of teeth grinding cases occur at night, when the patient clenches their jaw without even realizing.
While you may not notice yourself grinding your teeth, you might have other obvious symptoms. Here are a few common signs of bruxism:
- Pain in the face, neck, or jaw
- Chipped, cracked, or sensitive teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
If you have these symptoms, let us know at your next appointment. Teeth grinding damage is usually visible to a dentist, so we’ll let you know if an oral appliance is right for you. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead you to cause permanent damage to your teeth over time.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the patient’s airways become blocked as they sleep, forcing them to wake up many times in the night in order to resume breathing. While most people with sleep apnea don’t recall waking up once it’s morning, these interruptions prevent them from getting a full night’s rest.
Sometimes this can be mitigated by making sure the patient’s jaw stays aligned in an optimal position throughout the night, preventing the soft tissues of the mouth and throat from closing up. If this is the case, an oral appliance can help.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Oral appliance therapy can help you sleep soundly throughout the night. To make an appointment with our restorative dentists in Shelby Township, MI, call the Jeffrey T. Baker DDS office at (586) 992-9222 today.
