How Are You Sleeping?

You might think that’s a strange question coming from your dentist, but it really makes perfect sense. Sleep is a significant component of overall and oral health, and if your sleep quality is suffering, we will see the signs when we examine your teeth. Dr. Gettings is our resident sleep specialist, and she made a video explaining why we care so much about your sleep. Watch it above. We also invite you to keep reading for more information.

Are You Getting Quality Sleep?
Sleep disorders rob us of quality sleep. Sometimes, it’s easy to pinpoint the problem. Other times, it requires a little investigation. Our dentists know to look for signs of chronic sleep disturbance in your mouth. They may see that your teeth are prematurely worn down. This can indicate bruxism or nighttime clenching and grinding. They may notice other signs, like a narrow throat. Then, they’ll probably ask you, “How are you sleeping?” Your honest answer to this question is critical to not only your oral health but your overall physical health as well.

What is Sleep Apnea?
Thousands of people have sleep apnea but are not aware of it. Sleep apnea is when you wake up repeatedly because your airway becomes obstructed and you stop breathing. As Dr. Gettings explains in the video, this puts a lot of stress on all your systems and elevates your risk for other serious conditions. For these reasons, sleep apnea is not to be taken lightly.

Sleep Study + Sleep Apnea Treatment
An at-home sleep study is an easy, convenient way to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea. It normally involves a small device you wear to sleep for several nights to record your vital signs and breathing. Using that information, your doctor will determine whether you have a sleep disorder and how severe it is.

Treatment options are available through our office. We most often recommend a custom-made oral appliance that positions your jaw correctly to keep your airway open and unobstructed while you sleep. As Dr. Gettings points out in the video, it’s a noninvasive, simple, and effective solution to improve your sleep quality and your quality of life.

Why Do We Care?
The answer is simple: we have a duty to take care of our patients, and that duty does not stop at their teeth. As medical professionals, we will do everything in our power and use all the tools at our disposal to provide comprehensive care to our patients. In short, if you are healthy, then we’re happy!

We would love to see you again in our office located in West Chester, OH soon! Please give us a call to schedule an appointment, and if you have any concerns about your sleep, let us know. We are here to help!