Sleep Apnea OSA in Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo | Emergency Dental Care

Good Nutrition for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Sleep apnea, teeth clenching and grinding, and TMJ/TMD have something in common. They all arise from blockage of the airway, usually caused by a falling tongue.

Millions of Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unfortunately, undiagnosed sleep apnea can contribute to complicated problems and lower your life expectancy.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes a person to wake up frequently while sleeping. The patients never enjoy deep sleep or REM. It’s usually caused by a blockage of their airway.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, lack of energy during the day, feeling drowsy, waking up with headaches, and teeth grinding and clenching. Other symptoms may include the following.

• Hypertension
• Daytime fatigue and issues with mood
• Obesity
• Depression
• Dementia
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

How Sleep Apnea, Teeth Grinding and Clenching, and Headaches and TMJ/TMD are Connected?

Due to an obstruction in the airway, the patients with sleep apnea often receive a reduced supply of oxygen. Whenever it happens, their brain detects it and alarms the body, sending nerve impulse that wakes up the patient.

OSA Leads to Bruxism

At the same time, patients’ brain orders the jaw muscles to contract, which can lead to teeth clenching and grinding. It’s known as bruxism.

Bruxism or teeth grinding is a result of your body’s defense mechanism against sleep apnea. It opens your blocked airway temporarily and allows you to intake more oxygen. Unfortunately, it’s a temporary measure and your brain will eventually suffer from lack of oxygen due to OSA episodes being several and consistent.

Some patients may have to deal with more than hundred episodes of OSA each night.

Eat Variety of Foods

Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the National Institutes of Health.

It’s important that you choose foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, bread and whole grains, milk and dairy products, beans and legumes, meat, chicken, and fish.

Bruxism may lead to TMJ/TMD

Since teeth grinding is body’s natural defense mechanism against occasional OSA episode, consistent contraction of jaw muscles can lead to Mandibular joint (TMJ) pain or Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD).

It’s important to note that TMJ and TMD have a connection with OSA, it’s not always the underlying reason. It’s important to ask your dentist for a detailed examination.

TMJ/TMD may Lead to Night Headaches

TMJ/TMD can cause severe headaches if you have bite problem in addition to OSA. Patients with bite problem have misaligned lower jaw, which can put extra stress on muscles when OSA episodes occur. This can develop pain around the forehead and eventually spread to back of the head and neck area.

We at 7 Day Dental Office can Help

AT 7 Day Dental, we have a comprehensive treatment approach towards OSA, TMJ/TMD headaches, and bruxism. A team consisting of your dentist, sleep apnea, TMJ/TMD, and bruxism experts will evaluate your case and suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

At 7 Day Dental, we offer oral appliance therapy for OSA and TMJ/TMD and headache relief. We have a high success percentage when it comes to treating these medical conditions.