When you wake up in the morning, are you still tired? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? Quality sleep is essential to your overall health, and both snoring and sleep apnoea can rob you of the restful sleep you deserve.
Interestingly, your oral health can contribute to snoring and sleep apnoea; keep reading to learn more.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of your throat close while sleeping and block your airway. This causes you to stop breathing and forces your brain to signal you to wake up. This constant waking up keeps you from falling into a deep sleep, so you’re always tired. Unfortunately, most sleep apnoea sufferers often have no idea what’s happening until someone else notices their symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnoea include the following:
- Irritability and mood changes
- Poor concentration
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Managing Your Oral Health Can Help
Several oral health issues contribute to snoring and sleep apnoea; seeing your Black Rock dentist for treatment of the following dental concerns is the first step to better sleep and improved overall health:
- Missing teeth — Gaps in your smile can narrow your airway and make it more difficult for your tongue to rest, which can cause sleep apnea.
- Teeth grinding — Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can cause your brain to wake up to take a breath. This can lead to sleep apnoea.
- Crowded teeth — If your teeth are too crowded, they can push your tongue back into your mouth. This can block your airway and cause you to snore.
- Temporomandibular disorder — If you suffer from TMD, it can cause your jaw to shift while you’re sleeping. This can block your airway and cause you to snore.
Need Quality Dental Care in Black Rock, VIC?
If you snore or suspect you have sleep apnoea, we can help. At Bayside Smiles, our dentist in Black Rock is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral and overall health. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Magdalena Koy, call us at (03) 9598 2100.
We hope to hear from you soon.