Sleep mouth guards are devices that help in preventing a serious and life-threatening problem. These devices are easy to use and they are available for sale as over-the-counter protective devices for athlete. They provide protection against teeth and mouth injuries. Some mouth guards are sold over-the-counter and advertised as ideal for use in preventing jaw pain and teeth grinding. However, they can cause more harm if they are not fitted properly. The most ideal sleep mouth guards are the devices that an experienced dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria makes at his dental practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County. This is because they are custom made to fit in the mouth of every individual patient.
When can a Dentist Recommend Sleep Mouth Guards?
Sleep mouth guards can be recommended to serve the following purpose:
- Relief Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders’ symptoms
- Prevent grinding of teeth
- To alleviate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) symptoms
Using Mouth Guards to Alleviate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Airway obstruction causes a common disorder known as sleep apnea. This disorder can cause breathing pauses or shallow breaths while sleeping. Snorting or snoring occurs when a person resumes normal breathing. Apart from causing disturbance to the individual with sleep apnea, this condition disturbs the individual with whom they share a bedroom. Sleep apnea can cause breathing interruption even 100 times in one night.
This sleep interruption is very serious and capable of increasing the risk of:
- Irregular heartbeat rate
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Diabetes
- Increased auto and work-related accidents
A custom made mouth guard that is designed and made by an experienced dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria serves the purpose of opening the airway. This prevents any obstruction of the airway.
Mouth Guard Types
Mouth guards are mostly available in two types.
These are:
- Tongue Restraining Device (TRD): This helps in preventing the tongue from leaning on or falling to the throat at the back.
- Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): This places lower jaw in a forward position thereby ensuring free flow of the air.
The chosen Mouth Guard type usually depends on what causes sleep apnea in a patient. The current market has new devices which are clinically effective, comfortable and of high quality.
Get the Best Care
Some individuals are embarrassed by the idea of sharing their sleep problems or snoring problem with their dentists or doctors. This is because they think these problems are not important. In most cases, it is a friend or a family member who brings up the problem or even encourages a patient to talk about the sleep problem with a dentist or doctor. Children are also affected by sleep apnea. In children, fatigue can cause behavioral or learning problems. Sleep Mouth Guards provide a comfortable and safe solution to everybody including young children. A primary care doctor or physician works with a Sleep Disorder Specialist or Dentist to diagnose Sleep Apnea and treat it.
Sleep Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea
Whether you need a mouth guard for sleep apnea or not, it depends on how severe the condition is. However, a mouth guard can help even if sleep apnea is moderate. This is particularly true when a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is not worn. CPAP is a form of a mast that basically fits over the mouth and nose and it blows air into the airway of the patient making sure that it remains open while sleeping. Your healthcare provider should determine if you need a mouth guard.
Nevertheless, sleep apnea mouth guards are:
- Non-invasive
- Easy to use
- Alternative to the C-pap machines that most patients do not tolerate because they are cumbersome.
Dr. Gabe Doria is a reputable dentist with years of experience in making custom mouth guards for patients at his dental practice in Bayonne, New Jersey in Hudson County. He focuses on ensuring that patients find a happy and snore-free outcome with mouth guards.
Contact us now if you have concerns or questions about Sleep Mouth Guards. Get in touch with us for more information about these devices or to book your dental appointment.
