I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Are you keeping others awake at night with the noises you make? Snoring is a common problem, but that doesn't mean you need to live with it. Addressing your snoring can benefit your dental health, and if you share a bed with someone it could improve your relationship. Here are some ways your dentist can help.
Bespoke Mouthguards
When you snore, some of the sounds you make are due to air passing your soft tissues as you breathe in. One of those soft tissues is your tongue. When it relaxes into the back of your mouth as you sleep, it provides another surface for the air to pass along and generate noise. By using a mouthguard, you'll gently move your lower jaw forward and stop your tongue from slipping to the back of your throat. Consulting your dentist about a bespoke mouthguard should ensure that you find a device that's comfortable for you to wear. In contrast, you may not be able to tolerate an off-the-shelf version for long, as they can cause discomfort.
Sleep Apnoea Referral
Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts during your sleep. Without remembering it, you may wake up several times a night. This happens because your soft tissues obstruct your airway, forcing you to temporarily enter a state of wakefulness so that you can resume breathing. Usually, sleep apnoea is characterised by very loud snoring and you may feel tired a lot during the day. If your dentist believes you have sleep apnoea, they'll refer you for a sleep study. From there, you can determine what lifestyle changes and devices could treat your condition.
Protecting Your Oral Health
Snoring can have a negative impact on your oral health. If it's combined with bruxism — grinding your teeth — it may result in joint pain. Additionally, snoring can dry your mouth out. When your mouth is dry for too long, you're more likely to experience a build-up of bad bacteria. As a result, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay will increase. Your dental clinic is the ideal place for you to identify oral health issues that arise from your snoring. With the right interventions, you can maintain a good state of oral health.
Alongside scheduling an appointment at your local dental clinic, there are ways you can prevent snoring at home. Alongside anti-snoring devices, try weight loss, drinking less, and quitting smoking.
For more information, contact dentists near you.
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