An Introduction to Sleep Health Dentistry
A good night’s sleep is extremely important. Maintaining sleep throughout four to six sleep cycles helps ensure optimal health. What happens when we don’t get enough sleep? Serious health issues such as diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and weight gain may result from the lack of quality sleep.
Airway obstruction can disrupt sleep. Conditions that contribute to airway obstruction include age, weight, genetics, crowded teeth or other oral conditions that create a lack of space for the tongue. Dentists are in a unique position to recognize some of the signs and symptoms related to sleep health.
Airway Impairment and Sleep Dentistry
Airway obstruction causes health conditions ranging from snoring to severe sleep apnea, a serious disorder in which breathing stops and starts many times while you slumber. Sleep dentists and sleep apnea specialists help those suffering from airway issues by recommending a dental appliance for snoring, a dental device for sleep apnea or even a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.