How Braces Can Help You Treat Sleep Disorders

Sleep is the most essential part of your daily routine as without which your body won’t be able to function effectively.

What are Sleep Problems?

The following are some common sleep problems:

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through mouth can cause the soft tissue in the mouth to dry which would lead to red and inflamed gums and can also be bleeding gums. This happens as the teeth are exposed to air rather than saliva all night so the chances of cavities increases. Also, mouth breathing may not provide enough oxygen which could hamper your sleep.

Sleep Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Sleep bruxism is a common problem which can be as a result of stress, snoring, fatigue, sleep apnea as well as alcohol, caffeine and smoking. This could cause damage to teeth, jaw pain, headaches and earaches.

TMD

TMD refers to Temporomandibular joint Disorder (TMD) where the symptoms would include aching pain in front of an ear, locked jaw, clicking noise when opening your mouth or chewing food and pain in the jaw.

The Health Effects of Poor Sleep

Lack of sleep can affect a child’s behaviour as well as learning and can cause chronic health problems to the adults as well. Poor sleep can lead to heart disease, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

How Surgery can Improve Sleep

Most surgeries helps in treating sleep apnea where a surgeon may need to work with a dentist or an orthodontist. It can also help improve other sleep disorders as well.

Surgery for mouth breathing

A nasal or throat blockage is the common reason for mouth breathing. This can be solved by removing the enlarged tonsils that causes the problem.

Surgery for Sleep Bruxism

Bruxism can be cured via a surgery of sleep apnea.

Surgery for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Only extreme cases would require a surgery.

How Orthodontics Can Improve Sleep

Mouth breathing is a common problem in children which can be cured through orthodontic treatment as well. The treatment would let the mouth close naturally and lets to breathe through nose

Sleep Bruxism can be cured by wearing a retainer or a night guard. This can also help cure Temporomandibular joint Disorder (TMD) which can happen because of an uneven bite.