According to research from the American College of Chest Physicians, 1 in 4 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism.
Men typically have more severe sleep apnea which explains the higher prevalence of teeth grinding in men. Emotions also play a part in this relationship, as sleep loss due to OSA may lead to higher levels of anxiety, which is one of the main causes of bruxism.
Untreated bruxism can cause major dental damage, including excessive tooth wear or cavities, jaw pain, and gum tissue damage. It can also cause individuals to experience headaches and sleep disturbances.
In addition to relieving head, neck, jaw joint, and shoulder pains, treating bruxism is cost effective compared to ignoring the condition and exposing teeth to continued grinding.
Talk to us about how a custom fitted nightguard can help protect you from abusive chewing habits.