Sleeptember

If your jaw hurts or your teeth are misaligned, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be to blame. Although OSA is believed to be one of the most common health conditions in the United States, it is underdiagnosed. Consequently, nighttime tooth grinding (bruxism) being caused by OSA often is not treated properly. At the Miami Beach and North Miami Beach dental offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we want our patients to know how to address the source of the problem, which is why we’re pleased the American Sleep Apnea Association’s “Sleeptember campaign” is raising awareness of this issue.

In people with OSA, there is something, usually the tongue, blocking the airway. This prevents enough oxygen from getting to the patients’ blood and causes them to be pulled out of deep sleep throughout the night, leaving them fatigued. Bruxism results from the body unconsciously attempting to open an airway. The pressure put on teeth could cause them to tilt outward or, in the worst cases, crack.

Besides fatigue, other signs might include snoring and floppy eyelids. Overweight men are especially at risk. People who suspect they have OSA can get assessed at a sleep clinic, where their airways will be examined. They may be provided with a CPAP machine. We can also assist by fabricating custom-fitted oral appliances called night guards that will keep the jaws apart at night, protecting the teeth from further damage.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.