What a Dental Exam can Reveal about your Sleep Patterns

Serving Patients in the areas of Grand Rapids, Holland, and Big Rapids MI

Do your roommates or your spouse complain about noises you make with your teeth while you sleep? Are you wondering what might be happening? The Grand Rapids dentists at TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan can reveal problems you may have with snoring, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea. We look for signs of worn or broken teeth, excessive wear, a pie-crust tongue and bony growths along the jawline, all of which can be signs of bruxism or a sleep-breathing disorder. We can also assess your airway for signs of sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unknowingly clench your teeth when you’re awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism).

The symptoms of bruxism are:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to wake up your sleep partner
• Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Tired or tight jaw muscles, or a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely
• Jaw, neck or face pain or soreness
• Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear
• Dull headache starting in the temples
• Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek

For the most part, bruxism is a condition of youth. It is caused in part by stress, anger or frustration. Those who are competitive or hyperactive may have bruxism, as well as those on certain antidepressants. If others in your family had it, you might develop it. Bruxism can also be a symptom of dementia, GERD, epilepsy, and ADHD. Therefore, knowing you have it is the first step in finding out what is causing.

Snoring

The various sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the airway. When the airway is restricted, it often results in snoring or gasping for air sounds.

People who snore report other signs that may indicate a more serious problem such as sleep apnea. Leg kicking or jerking or other jerky movements may suggest restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movement. These may certainly suggest a referral to a sleep specialist in Grand Rapids. An airway evaluation during your dental check up can determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea.

We want to help you get the sleep you need – Sleep Solutions in Grand Rapids

When you are ready to examine the state of your sleep patterns in Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, or Holland, please contact TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan by calling (616) 458-0631. Regular exams are vital in detecting bruxism or snoring, and you need help in getting these medical issues treated. We are ready to help you get the sound sleep you need! Our simple, non-invasive solutions not only protect your teeth, but also can have you resting better in no time!

TMJ & Sleep Disorders of Michigan proudly serves the Big Rapids, Grand Rapids and Holland area.