The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Oral Health
Did you know that sleep apnea is a hidden danger for your oral health? In addition to robbing you of proper rest, incessant snoring actually impacts your teeth, gums, and jaw over time. At Helfner Dental Associates, we understand the importance of educating our patients on the risks of sleep apnea.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
A person suffering from sleep apnea stops breathing repeatedly during the night. Severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) actually cause throat muscles to relax to the point of blocking airflow. Telltale signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring throughout the night
- Feeling tired after a full night of rest
- Waking up gasping for air in the night
- Waking up in the morning with a dry mouth or a sore throat
Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risks for stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also leave you feeling exhausted. However, the hidden risks related to your oral health are often overlooked.
The Untold Story of Sleep Apnea and Oral Health
Sleep apnea changes the balance of your oral health. Let's take a deeper look.
1. Persistent Dry Mouth
Breathing through your nose all night leads to dry mouth. Many people are unaware that dry mouth causes reduced saliva production that limits your mouth's natural defense against bacteria and other pathogens. Unfortunately, this makes you much more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
2. Painful Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding wears down or chips your teeth. Aside from ruining your teeth, bruxism also causes headaches and chronic jaw pain that make life unbearable. It's also a leading cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Luckily, your dentist can fit you with a custom night guard or oral appliance to protect your teeth and jaw.
3. Risks for Gum Disease
Yes, disrupted sleep can cause chronic inflammation that leaves your body unable to fight off bacteria and infections. This increases your risk for gum disease. If you're someone who already suffers from gum disease or gingivitis, poor sleep can make these issues more severe.
Your Dentist Is Here to Help You Conquer Sleep Apnea
While your primary doctor is an important resource for sleep apnea resources, your dentist also wants to talk to you about the topic. In fact, dentists can help to spot telltale signs of sleep apnea early. We can also help you to manage sleep apnea.
In addition to looking for signs of disordered breathing during each regular visit, the team at Helfner Dental Associates also offers special screenings for sleep apnea. If you are being affected by sleep apnea, we can fit you with a custom oral appliance for keeping airways open while you sleep. We also offer a variety of treatments for TMJ and teeth grinding.
Don't let sleep apnea have the final word on your sleep quality and oral health! We want our patients to know that we offer many noninvasive, easy-to-use solutions. Simply contact Helfner Dental Associates by visiting www.bonniehelfnerdds.com or calling (631) 247-0977 today to learn more.
