You might expect a dental problem to disrupt your ability to bite and chew food. You can anticipate how an issue with your tooth might have a negative effect on your smile. However, you might not realize that there are oral health issues that can interfere with your ability to enjoy a healthy night’s rest. One oral health problem, snoring, can be an impediment to your partner’s rest, too. Snoring is disruptive, but when it is a symptom of sleep apnea, it can also be worrying for your health. The tendency to grind your teeth while you are sleeping can make it hard to enjoy your mornings, as you could be waking up with jaw pain, or sore teeth.
Is It Snoring, Or Sleep Apnea?
So what is it that sets snoring and sleep apnea apart? Sleep apnea leaves you without breath for periods that can potentially last for ten seconds, until your brain “wakes up” to clear an airway blockage. That problem can cause you to snore, as well as interfering with your sleep cycle. You may not remember waking up, but your body will not enjoy the advantage of a full night’s rest, and it can lead to real health issues. A snore guard, designed to stop you from snoring while you sleep, can help with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea issues.
Waking Up To Jaw Pain? Bruxism Could Be Responsible
You may not need to tell your dentist you have been grinding your teeth – they might notice unusually severe wear and tear on your teeth during a routine dental exam. However, if you wake up with pain in your teeth and jaw because of bruxism, tell your dentist. The sooner you receive help, the sooner your teeth are protected from harm.
