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Improve Your Sleep with a Snore Guard | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important that you see if you’ve developed a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to be the only one having an issue with sleeping – most people don’t know they have an issue until they are told by a loved one sleeping close by. And if this happens to be the case, you will be prescribed a snore guard in order to get a better night’s sleep. Unfortunately, snore guards are generally quite bulky, and it may be the bulkiness of the snore guard that bothers you and your gag reflex.

For those that don’t know, a snore guard is a mouthpiece that is custom fitted to your mouth to help a myriad of dental problems and relieve the systems of TMJ or bruxism. As you become used to your new snore guard, follow the following instructions:

  • Ask your dentist to start out with a thin night guard that will be easier to get used to.
  • Have your family dentist fabricate both an upper and lower snore guard to see which one you find more comfortable. Find which is more comfortable and get a thicker one fabricated after you adjust to its feeling.
  • Put your snore guard in right before you go to bed to lessen the chances that you’ll find it bothersome.
  • Take at least 30 days to get used to the snore guard and create a habit.

Be aware that snore guards are an aid for bruxism, but you will need to find out why you are grinding or clenching your teeth and make changes. Wearing a snore guard won’t do anything but protect your teeth from harm.

If you would like more information about snore guards, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

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Sleeping Issues and Your Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know that we need a good night’s sleep. Not only for our overall health, but just to keep us functioning in our day-to-day lives. Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep, especially if you are living in the adult world. We work hard all week and hope that the weekend brings us some well-needed rest. But what if this sleep involves snoring? Chances are, you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, regardless of the amount of time allotted.

If you are, what’s often described as a “loud snorer”, it is imperative that you follow a strict oral hygiene routine to reduce the chances of you developing any number of oral health problems. Not only do we not give our bodies enough time to regroup, but our teeth need saliva for protection. Because snoring causes your mouth to dry out (xerostomia), it can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including bad breath (halitosis), burning mouth syndrome, mouth sores, infections, tooth decay and in worse cases, gum disease.

If you have chronic sleep issues due to snoring, you may need to use an oral appliance to combat the negative dental side effects, like discomfort, excess salivation, TMJ, facial muscle pain and even bite changes.

To put simply, snoring has a huge effect on our teeth, both directly and indirectly. If you feel that you and your family are already suffering too much because of your snoring, consult a dentist. They can present to you a number of medical treatment options to help you deal you’re your snoring problem.

If you would like more information about sleep issues, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.