Q: What’s the connection between teeth, breathing, and sleep problems?
You may not think twice about grinding your teeth at night or feeling tired during the day, but the root cause could go far deeper than stress or poor sleep habits. The truth? There’s a powerful and often overlooked link between your teeth, your airway, and how well you sleep.
It’s called sleep disordered breathing, and according to Dr. Caroline Pawlak, owner of Artful Orthodontics, it’s more common than most people realize. “There is a definite connection between dentistry and sleep,” she explains.
Most people are shocked to learn that nighttime teeth grinding is often your body’s way of trying to open your airway. In adults, this shows up as chronic fatigue. In children, it can look like hyperactivity or even ADHD—leading to medications when a much simpler, safer solution may exist
“There is a definite connection between dentistry and sleep.”
Traditionally, CPAP machines have been the go-to treatment for sleep apnea, but many people can’t tolerate them.
“The exciting news is that oral appliances are now available that can potentially eliminate the need for CPAP,” says Dr. Pawlak. “
These custom-made devices reposition the jaw, opening the airway and allowing for easier breathing. Treatment typically involves both a medical doctor for diagnosis and an orthodontist for oral appliance therapy.
Soon, Artful Orthodontics will offer at-home sleep apnea testing kits—a more comfortable alternative to traditional sleep labs.
If you’re losing sleep or concerned about your child’s behavior or fatigue, it might be time to explore this connection with your doctor
