How to Use Orthodontics to Correct Sleep Problems

Sleep is one of the functions that humans need, to stay healthy. It’s not just sleep, but sound sleep that one needs to be healthy. However, many people don’t get quality sleep because of underlying issues.

What are Sleep Problems?

1. Mouth Breathing

Breathing from your mouth instead of nose can cause many health issues. The mouth is exposed to air instead of saliva for all night, which can lead to risk of cavities as bacteria isn’t being washed away from the mouth. Chronic bad breath and inflamed gums can be some of the side effects.

2. Sleep Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

There are people who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping, which can lead to sleep disorder explains the dentist in TX 77080. Teeth grinding can be caused by snoring, fatigue, sleep apnea or alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

3. TMD

TMD is a joint, which connects the jaw to your skull, and allows you to eat and speak. Symptoms of the disorder include aching pain in the front ear, locked jaw, pain while chewing food, and click sound while opening mouth.

The Health Effects of Poor Sleep

Poor sleep can affect a person’s quality of life, mood, work, and studies. It also affects your learning and comprehending abilities. Lack of sleep can also lead to chronic health issues such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, etc.

How Surgery can Improve Sleep

1. Surgery for mouth breathing

A person may breathe through his/her mouth due to obstruction in nose or throat. Removing enlarged tonsil or treating deviated septum can help in breathing through nose.

2. Surgery for Sleep Bruxism

Surgery for treating sleep apnea can cure sleep bruxism.

3. Surgery for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

In extreme cases of TMJ, surgery can help in overcoming symptoms.

How Orthodontics Can Improve Sleep

• Orthodontics such as braces can help in treating the signs of mouth breathing such as overbite and gummy smile.
• Wearing a retainer or night guard can protect teeth from teeth grinding damage.
• Uneven bite may be the cause of TMD and orthodontic treatment may fix it.