Health

The Role of a Night Guard in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea

The temporary obstruction of your airways during sleep is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep condition. Because of this, sleeping on one’s back exacerbates sleep apnea symptoms. People also generally use a mouth guard for sleeping because it has very good effects on preventing sleep apnea.

This can eventually result in the following: 

  • During the night, struggling for breath
  • Snoring that is particularly loud Frequent trips to the restroom during the night
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Insomnia
  • If you grind your teeth (bruxism) as you sleep can also contribute to jaw pain caused by sleep apnea.

What exactly is it that causes sleep apnea?

One obstructive sleep apnea subcategory is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Frequently, the obstruction is caused by the tongue and/or other tissues shifting backward during sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in those who are overweight, have a history of snoring in their family, or are male, although anybody can develop the condition.

Sleep apnea and bruxism.

Although sleep apnea and bruxism are two separate disorders, studies have shown that those who have sleep apnea are more likely to have bruxism (the habit of grinding one’s teeth).

Your sleep apnea may be causing sleep-related bruxism if you experience morning headaches or jaw discomfort with symptoms like snoring or gasping that keep you awake.

Researchers were relieved to discover that curing sleep apnea alleviates the same conditions that cause nighttime bruxism. 

CPAP masks, often known as night guards, can protect your teeth while you sleep using a night guard, also called a mouth guard. When worn at night as a treatment for sleep apnea, a night guard will keep your jaw in the correct position to prevent potentially life-threatening obstructions to your airway while you are asleep. 

If you grind your teeth while you sleep due to sleep apnea, your night guard will keep your upper and lower teeth apart so that you do not wake up with a headache. Getting a night guard made specifically for your mouth can alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and keep you from grinding your teeth during the night, both of which are bad for your quality of sleep.

Your night guard will be uniquely crafted to fit your jaw and ensure that it remains in the correct position throughout the night.

Consult a dentist! 

If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, ensure to speak to a dentist. Your dentist can assist you in getting the right treatment for sleep apnea.