Are you having sleep problems that may be related to dental issues? If you’re an adult, you may be surprised to learn that 33% of orthodontics patients are also adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. That means you’re not alone! There are several reasons why poor sleep and dental problems may be linked. For one, if you have crooked teeth, you may find it difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Luckily, getting braces may help. Let’s review how braces can improve sleep.
1.Help You Breathe Better
When your teeth are properly aligned, you’re more likely to breathe through your nose. Crooked teeth can block the airway and cause mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can lead to several problems, including dry mouth, bad breath, and sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you may snore loudly or stop breathing altogether for short periods. It can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night, which can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
2. Relieve Pain and Discomfort
If you have crooked teeth, you may also experience pain and discomfort. This discomfort can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Braces will help align your teeth, which can reduce pain and discomfort. Additionally, if you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, braces can help to realign your jaw and reduce pain.
3. Improve Your Overall Health
Poor sleep can lead to several health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep creates obesity by disrupting the hormones that control appetite. When you’re not getting enough sleep, you may have an increased appetite and crave unhealthy foods. Orthodontics can improve your sleep and, as a result, improve your overall health.
Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, you may be damaging your enamel and causing other dental problems. Teeth grinding can also cause headaches and jaw pain. You may sometimes wake up in the middle of the night from hard grinding, but braces can help stop that.
Orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics – it can also improve your overall health in surprising ways. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, talking to your dentist or orthodontist about getting braces might help. They can assess your dental problems and recommend the best treatment for you. Give us a call today to start the next step in improving your teeth for a more restful slumber.
