Sleep apnea and teeth grinding, although seemingly unrelated, can be linked. Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is medically known, often occurs due to the disruption of a person’s sleep patterns. As many people who suffer from sleep apnea are all too familiar with, those who have this condition may experience long periods of disrupted sleep as their breathing is obstructed. This, in turn, can cause teeth grinding due to the increased stress and anxiety associated with not being able to get a good night’s rest.
Teeth grinding from sleep apnea can also be caused by an obstruction in the airway itself. When this occurs, it puts extra pressure on the jaw, which can cause the teeth to grind against each other. This can damage both your teeth and jaw, so it’s important to get proper treatment for sleep apnea in order to prevent any further damage from occurring.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for both sleep apnea and teeth grinding. Many doctors recommend the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) apnoea sleep machine, which helps keep your airways open while you sleep. Additionally, mouth guards can help protect your teeth from further damage caused by grinding and clenching.
Can a dentist see signs of sleep apnea?
Yes, a dentist can see physical signs of sleep apnea in an individual’s mouth. These signs can include swollen or recessed gums; cracked, chipped, and/or broken teeth; and eroded tooth enamel. Additionally, dentists are trained to identify the types of breathing disturbances that are associated with sleep apnea (such as heavy snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, and gasping for air). If a dentist suspects that an individual is suffering from sleep apnea, they may recommend the patient to see a specialist to get tested. This may involve having the patient wear a device overnight at home to measure their breathing patterns while they sleep. With this information, the specialist will be able to diagnose the individual with sleep apnea and provide treatment accordingly. If a patient is diagnosed with sleep apnea, their dentist may recommend certain treatments such as oral appliance therapy and lifestyle modifications.