Over the past few posts, we’ve gone over some different signs of sleep apnea in toddlers, kids, and adults.
Some of those signs include:
- Snoring
- Waking up a lot at night
- Tiredness during the day
- Restless legs at night
- Acid reflux
- Jaw, neck, and/or shoulder pain
- Mouth breathing
- Crowded teeth
- Tongue tie
- GRINDING!!!
I see patients of all ages that show signs of grinding on teeth. In kids and people in their 20’s, it often looks as if the edges are slightly flattened- but nothing significant to the eyes of most people. But if left untreated- you see severe damage to the teeth over the years, as pictured in the stone model of a real patient.
Why does this happen?
When our body does not get enough air, it goes through a 911 response by trying to open up its airway – and it does this by grinding the teeth, because it its trying to reposition the airway!
Often times, when teeth are worn, people are treated with a mouthguard/splint to protect the teeth. BUT, by only “protecting” the teeth, we are just putting a short-term bandaid on the problem, and not treating the underlying problem- which very well could be an airway issue.
Educate yourselves please, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find a provider who knows how to look at underlying causes and not treat just the effects of a possible condition.
Take a look at your teeth.
- Do you know if you grind?
- Do you have edges that are chipped or worn?
- Are your teeth constantly breaking?
If so, then it’s definitely time to find a health care provider who can help you determine the cause.