Dental Sleep: We Just Want to Save Your Teeth

You might not think of your dentist when you think about sleep. But believe it or not, your sleep habits can greatly impact your oral health. And sometimes, your dentist is the first one to notice something’s off. That’s where dental sleep comes in.

Dental sleep medicine focuses on how sleep-related issues affect your mouth, jaw, and teeth. We’re not trying to replace your sleep doctor. We just want to help protect your smile while you get the rest you need.

At Complete Dental Arts in Newnan, Georgia,  Charley Cheney, DMD, and the team can help you understand how sleep appliances can keep your smile healthy while you slumber.

Grinding and clenching happen while you sleep

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without even knowing it. This condition is called bruxism, and it can wreak havoc on teeth over time. Worn enamel, cracks, jaw pain, and even tooth loss can all result from untreated nighttime grinding.

Dr. Cheney can spot the signs before you feel the symptoms. Early intervention can save your teeth from long-term damage.

Sleep apnea isn’t just a snore

Obstructive sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. It’s a condition where your airway repeatedly closes during sleep, cutting off airflow and forcing your body to wake up to breathe. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

What does that have to do with your teeth? A lot, actually. Sleep apnea often leads to dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and bruxism. Dr. Cheney may be the first to spot these clues during a routine exam.

Custom appliances can make a difference

Here’s the good news. Dr. Cheney is trained in dental sleep medicine and can offer custom oral appliances to help manage conditions like sleep apnea and nighttime grinding. These small, comfortable devices reposition your jaw to keep the airway open or create a barrier to protect your teeth from grinding.

They’re often a great alternative for people who can’t tolerate CPAP machines. And they’re easier to use than most people expect.

We’re part of your care team

We’re not here to take over your sleep treatment. We work alongside sleep specialists, primary care doctors, and other healthcare providers to give you a well-rounded approach to better rest and oral health. That teamwork matters.

When sleep and dental care align, the results are powerful. You get better rest, fewer dental issues, and a healthier overall outlook.

The signs aren’t always obvious

You may not know you grind your teeth. You may not realize you’re waking up dozens of times each night. But your teeth can tell the story.

Flattened edges, chips, gum recession, and even jaw soreness can all be signs of a sleep-related dental issue. That’s why regular dental visits are so important. They allow us to catch the subtle clues before serious damage occurs.

Prevention is the priority

We don’t just want to treat damage, we want to prevent it from happening. By identifying risk factors early and offering simple solutions like mouthguards or sleep appliances, we help protect your teeth before problems get worse.

It’s not about adding more appointments to your calendar. It’s about making the ones you already have work harder for your health.

Your teeth deserve rest, too

While you sleep, your body heals, resets, and recovers. Your teeth should get that same break. But when sleep-related issues interfere, your smile can suffer silently.

Dental sleep medicine helps close that gap. It connects the dots between poor sleep and poor oral health so you can take action sooner, not later. Call the office or schedule an online appointment today to see if we can help you sleep better.