Understanding The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Oral Health

You might be surprised to learn that a good night’s sleep goes beyond just feeling rested. Sleep plays a vital role in overall health, including your oral health. Getting a sound sleep is important for your overall health.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage or a lack of respiratory effort. This can happen numerous times, disrupting sleep quality and causing you to wake up gasping for air.

There are two main types:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, where the airway becomes blocked due to relaxed throat muscles or enlarged tissues.

Central sleep apnea: Less common, where the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Loud snoring.
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
• Gasping for air during sleep.
• Morning headaches.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Sleep Apnea’s Impact on Your Oral Health

While sleep apnea may seem unrelated to your mouth, but it can negatively affect your oral health in several ways:

Dry Mouth: During sleep apnea episodes, you often breathe through your mouth, drying out your mouth.

Increased Acidity: Dry mouth also leads to a decrease in saliva production, which can increase acidity levels, which can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Some people with sleep apnea unconsciously clench or grind their teeth during sleep. Bruxism can damage teeth, causing wear, cracks, and increased sensitivity.

Gum Disease: The combination of dry mouth, increased acidity, and potential irritation from teeth grinding can make you more susceptible to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (severe gum disease).

Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you must see a doctor or a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. A few dental treatments include:

Monitoring Oral Health: Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor for signs of sleep apnea’s impact, such as dry mouth, teeth grinding, and gum disease.

CPAP Therapy: The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), uses a mask to deliver pressurized air that keeps your airway open during sleep. While CPAP is very effective, some patients find it uncomfortable to wear.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These custom-made mouthpieces or guards gently hold your lower jaw forward, widening the airway and preventing collapse. MADs can be a good alternative for patients who find CPAP uncomfortable.

Tongue-Retaining Mouthpieces: These devices hold your tongue in a more forward position, keeping the airway open. Tongue-retaining mouthpieces may be an option for those with mild sleep apnea or who cannot use MADs due to dental limitations.

Conclusion

Remember, a healthy sleep translates to a healthy smile. Sleep apnea is a multifaceted condition with significant general and oral health implications. If you have concerns about sleep apnea or its impact on your oral health, don’t hesitate to talk to our dentist at Bravo! Dental. Let us help you breathe easier and sleep better.