DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter SLEEP APNEA LINKED TO TEETH GRINDING Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which a person repeatedly pauses or stops breathing. People with sleep. apnea have higher rates of teeth grinding, and recent studies have shown that sleep apnea actually causes teeth grinding in some patients. Teeth grinding during sleep may also be caused by stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, and missing or crooked teeth. Over time, teeth grinding can wear teeth down, loosen them, damage the jawbone, and cause tooth loss. Not sure if you're a teeth grinder? Your dentist can look for signs such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear of the teeth. A dentist can also fit sleep apnea patients with a mouth guard that protects teeth during sleep. If you have questions about sleep apnea and bruxism (teeth grinding), be sure to discuss your concerns with us at CARPENTER DENTAL. We bring you our weekly dental column in order to keep you up-to-date on the latest research, innovations, and procedures available in dentistry today and to inform our friends and neighbors here in Forty Fort how the many benefits of modern oral care can enhance their lives. New patients are always welcome at our state-of-the-art office at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Please call 570-331- 0909 for an appointment. P.S. In addition to teeth grinding, signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, morning headaches and dry mouth, insomnia, and excessive sleepiness during the day. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter SLEEP APNEA LINKED TO TEETH GRINDING Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which a person repeatedly pauses or stops breathing . People with sleep . apnea have higher rates of teeth grinding , and recent studies have shown that sleep apnea actually causes teeth grinding in some patients . Teeth grinding during sleep may also be caused by stress , anxiety , an abnormal bite , and missing or crooked teeth . Over time , teeth grinding can wear teeth down , loosen them , damage the jawbone , and cause tooth loss . Not sure if you're a teeth grinder ? Your dentist can look for signs such as jaw tenderness and excessive wear of the teeth . A dentist can also fit sleep apnea patients with a mouth guard that protects teeth during sleep . If you have questions about sleep apnea and bruxism ( teeth grinding ) , be sure to discuss your concerns with us at CARPENTER DENTAL . We bring you our weekly dental column in order to keep you up - to - date on the latest research , innovations , and procedures available in dentistry today and to inform our friends and neighbors here in Forty Fort how the many benefits of modern oral care can enhance their lives . New patients are always welcome at our state - of - the - art office at 1086 Wyoming Ave. , Forty Fort . Please call 570-331 0909 for an appointment . P.S. In addition to teeth grinding , signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring , morning headaches and dry mouth , insomnia , and excessive sleepiness during the day . Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort , PA ( 570 ) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com