Many Americans struggle with their sleep. Of the five most common sleep disorders in this country, two of these center around the throat and mouth. Chronic obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your airway becomes blocked by your own throat tissue. Patients with apnea experience pauses in breath throughout the night, resulting in lower blood oxygenation and hypertension. This is a serious condition that can place you at risk of heart attack and stroke.
Bruxism is another dental medicine concern that stems from your overnight teeth grinding. This condition can cause the erosion of your enamel, leaving you with short or stubby teeth. When the underlying dentin becomes exposed, you can develop an internal tooth infection and a nasty nagging pain at the location. At Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA, we offer you a powerful solution without the need for surgery. An oral appliance helps you to protect your mouth from your sleep disorder through a soft BPA-free guard. This approach is beneficial for the treatment of both chronic obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism!
An Open Airway, All Night Long
Chronic obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your body becomes a bit too relaxed overnight. During the deepest form of sleep known as REM (rapid eye movement), one of your nerves can become temporarily paralyzed. This nerve gives you the power to control your tongue and to swallow. At this point, the tissue within your throat can soften and lay on top of each other, preventing the flow of air.
An oral appliance helps to keep your throat free of blockage by gently repositioning your jaw forward. This slight movement is often all you need to avoid the troublesome obstruction of your airway. Speak with your provider about the benefits of this approach.
Protect Your Enamel From Your Overnight Grinding
Bruxism is another condition that can affect the quality of your oral health. This is the grinding or gnashing of teeth, and it can lead to serious damage when it occurs during sleep. By grinding, you can wear down your enamel until you reach the underlying dentin. You could be left with an unattractive appearance; furthermore, you can expose your teeth to internal infection!
Ask your dentist about the advantages of an oral appliance. Your grinding could be causing a shift in your alignment alongside your enamel erosion. Your gentle BPA-free guard can provide a soft spot for your jaw to land.
Appliance-Based Therapy In Charles City, IA
The treatment of your dental sleep disorder is achievable through the use of an oral appliance. Speak with our team at Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA at (641)228-1115 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Hansen, DDS. Wake up rested with a renewed sleep!