Always tired in Milwaukee and don’t know why? Maybe it’s your teeth

Are you always tired and sluggish in the morning, even after the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep? Do you constantly struggle to stay awake throughout the day? Are you more irritable or forgetful for no apparent reason?

If you can relate, it is important to know that these are all signs experienced by someone with a sleep disorder. Surprisingly enough, a misaligned bite might be to blame. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a misaligned bite and how can it affect your sleep?

A misaligned bite, medically referred to as malocclusion, occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t properly fit together. Sometimes this is caused by genetics, as with a significant overbite or overly narrow arches, but it can also be the result of shifting teeth caused by other unexpected dental issues, including teeth that are:

• broken
• missing
• chipped
• crooked

A bad bite can become more problematic over time because it often affects normal jaw functions like chewing, laughing, talking and other facial expressions.

It can also create a difference in the at-rest position of your jaw when you sleep, and this may result in a full or partial obstruction of your airway.

The physical issues caused by malocclusion range from bitten cheeks and jaw joint disorders to sleep apnea and snoring. Each of these problems can lead to other health issues such as:

• Chronic headaches
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heart beats or heart failure
• Diabetes
• Depression

How can your dentist help?

A Milwaukee dentist with advanced training in sleep disorder therapies and neuromuscular dentistry can offer an in-depth approach to your overall dental care. Through a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw structure your dentist can determine if dental issues play a role in your sleep disorder. Once the specific problems causing your misaligned jaw and altered bite have been identified, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan to correct them.

Where can you get more information?

If you are always tired, live in the Racine, WI area and would like to learn more about sleep apnea or TMJ treatment, contact Dr. Michael Westman to arrange for your complimentary 15-minute consultation. Discover how you can get back to a better night’s sleep.