Sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can have detrimental effects not just on the mind and body but also on teeth and gums. With OSA normal sleep patterns are disturbed as breathing is intermittently paused and there may also be a tendency to clench and unclench the jaws.
These OSA-associated patterns can lead to:
- Cracked and chipped teeth
- Dry mouth and tooth decay
- Bite misalignment
OSA is a medical condition but it can often be detected early by a dentist who can recognise early warning signs such as a poor bite, significant plaque, dry mouth and other dental issues. This underlines the importance of regular dental check-ups and you can find out more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/a-good-nights-sleep-your-smile-needs-it/
