Sleep apnea is a common health condition that can that awaken a sleeper a hundred times or more in a single night, leading to a range of overall health issues like grogginess, irritability, and overeating. However, you may not be aware of how this unfortunate ailment can increase your risk of oral infections like gum disease. Here’s a brief overview of the link between these issues and how your dentist can help you get the rest you need to stay healthy.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea refers to when the muscles and other tissues in a person’s neck weigh heavily on their windpipe as they relax during sleep. This can restrict their air intake until the brain realizes that the body doesn’t have enough oxygen, resulting in the sleeper suddenly waking up short of breath. This can happen many times in one night and cause problems like:
- Irritability
- Grogginess
- Depression
- Overeating
- Difficulty staying awake
- Falling asleep while operating machinery
How Can Sleep Apnea Lead to Gum Disease?
Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting the teeth from harmful germs, harsh chemicals, and unnecessary friction, and not having enough of it can allow destructive bacteria to multiply quickly and increase a person’s risk of oral infections. Unfortunately, people with sleep apnea tend to breath through their mouths while slumbering, and snoring is a common symptom of the condition. The flow of air this causes through the mouth can evaporate much of a sleeper’s saliva, leaving their mouth more vulnerable to infection.
How Can My Dentist Help?
When many people think of treating sleep apnea, they think of cumbersome CPAP machines that have a reputation for being uncomfortable. Thankfully, many dentists who treat sleep apnea prefer to use oral appliances, which are customized devices designed to fit over a patient’s teeth while they sleep. The oral appliance will hold their jaw in a forward position, which can take much weight off the windpipe when they relax and help them get better sleep.
Treating your sleep apnea can help you achieve better oral and overall health and greatly improve your quality of life. Your dentist may be able to help you find a comfortable and effective way to get better rest so you can enjoy more energy during the day.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars achieved his dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency that focused on implant dentistry and advanced restorative care. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and the Tallgrass Study Group. His office in Kansas City offers cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sleep apnea treatments. To learn more about oral appliance therapy, contact his office online or dial (816) 336-2439.