A regular dental routine is important for healthy teeth. We are supposed to brush our teeth multiple times per day, floss at least once per day, and receive regular routine dental cleanings and checkups. Many people do not keep up properly with their dental routines. In fact, many only visit their dentist when they are experiencing tooth pain. This is not always the best choice, as you may be surprised to find that dental problems can actually contribute to a variety of other medical conditions that seem to be unrelated.
Sleep difficulties
Do you have a hard time falling and staying asleep? A regular lack of consistent sleep can affect the health in many ways. It can also increase stress levels and affect career and personal lives. Your trouble with sleeping could be caused by a dental problem. Pain in the mouth or dental problems that lead to other health problems can significantly impact the quality of sleep. TMJ treatment centers often treat basic facial pain that is caused by TMJ, but do not always diagnose the underlying sleep conditions too. With 35 million people in the U.S. having been diagnosed with TMJ, this is a common sleep deprivation dental cause.
Sinus infections and allergies
Some people experience particularly rough sinus and allergy seasons. When your nose is constantly running and you feel very congested, this can affect your sleep quality. Perhaps you have tried numerous sinus and allergy medications with no relief. Sometimes, dental problems can mimic that of sinus infections and allergy problems. TMJ treatment centers tend to focus only on jaw problems and chronic facial pain treatment, and do not always identify pain caused by a tooth problem.
Chronic migraines
Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine understands how debilitating they can be. When the migraine hits, you are unable to think clearly, see straight, or handle work or life responsibilities. If you tend to experience them at night, it is very likely that your sleep is also affected. Many people suffer daily from chronic migraines, going from one medical professional to another, trying to find some type of relief. Dental problems can, in fact, cause migraines or severe headaches.
If you have a chronic dental problem that is not being taken care of, it is also possible that you will experience chronic migraines. Effective chronic headache treatment should also include a trip to your family dentist for further testing, and potentially a TMJ treatment center. More than 37 million people currently suffer from migraines in the U.S. Many of these are undiagnosed cases.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical condition where the body does not get enough oxygen during sleep. If you are someone who struggles with sleep apnea, you have probably never connected your cosmetic dentist with treating your sleep apnea. However, you will find that some dental related problems can actually contribute to and make your sleep apnea worse. According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research, participants who had obstructive sleep apnea symptoms experienced a 73% higher rate of TMD (temporomandibular disorder) symptoms. If you are currently dealing with the symptoms associated with sleep apnea, you should also consider visiting a TMJ treatment center to better understand the implications.
There are, unfortunately, many things that can contribute to a poor night of sleep quality. It is important to diagnose sleep difficulties as soon as possible, because a lack of sleep can further affect the health. If you are experiencing chronic trouble sleeping, it could be beneficial to schedule a visit with your family dentist. Too many people regularly skip their dental visits. When dental problems are left untreated, they tend to affect other parts of the body. They can be present in the form of TMJ, sinus and allergy problems, chronic facial pain, chronic migraines, and even sleep apnea symptoms.
