It seems some people never get enough sleep, and nighttime interruptions leave others even more exhausted the next day. Inconsistent snoozing patterns can also take a toll on your teeth. The family dentist center of High Point Smile Dentistry in North Carolina is here to share the connection as the nation gears up for National Sleep Awareness Week from April 23 to 29.

Sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, the week highlights ways to improve sleep for the millions of Americans who have ongoing struggles with resting. One common ailment that occurs is sleep apnea. The condition causes a person to briefly stop breathing when soft tissue in the throat collapses and causes the airways to become blocked.

In addition to causing dangerous breathing lapses, diabetes, strokes, and high blood pressure, the condition is a trigger for jaw grinding. The medical term is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and occurs when the jaw naturally clamps down to stop any airway blockage. Some of the outcomes of repetitive jaw lockdown seen by many dentists are teeth grinding, cracked teeth, painful chewing, and worn front teeth.

Thankfully, your local dentist is the best source for dental devices and techniques to keep the jaw from clamping down while sleeping. High Point Smile Dentistry offers customized and comfortable mouthguards and splints for patients to wear at night—and catch up on precious sleep!

If you’re experiencing restless sleep and the interrupted rest patterns are taking a toll on your teeth and jaw, the restorative dental services team at High Point Smile Dentistry can offer much-needed relief. For a complete and friendly diagnosis, call the family dentist office at (336) 884-4000 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website to learn more about other innovative services, including the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique, a cutting-edge treatment for gum recession caused by tooth decay.