Sleep Apnea and Oral Health

Understanding the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Oral Health

Having oral issues is not that uncommon; at least once or twice in our lives, we’ve experienced cavities and even certain gum issues. Be that as it may, having a sleeping disorder like sleep apnea is not common; apart from being a respiratory condition, which is already worrying in itself, sleep apnea can also affect one’s oral health.

Understanding sleep apnea: what is it and what causes it?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder wherein one’s breathing stops repeatedly during sleep because the airways get constricted, preventing one from breathing properly. This disorder is categorized into three types, namely obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and treatment-emergent sleep apnea. This illness is alarming in a way that not only are you not aware of it, but also because it overlaps with certain sleeping habits that one usually experiences.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of OSA and CSA:

  • Loud snoring.
  • Instances where you stop breathing—as reported by someone sleeping next to you.
  • Poor cognitive abilities.
  • Morning headaches.
  • Dry mouth.

You should also be on the lookout for certain symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or waking up with a sore throat.

Sleep apnea is caused by several factors, such as:

  • Obesity.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Ingesting sedatives or sleeping tablets.
  • A narrow throat.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Smoking.
  • Jaw misalignment.

How does sleep apnea affect oral health?

Sleep apnea and oral health are interconnected, wherein either of them affects the other; this means your poor oral health could contribute to your sleep apnea and vice versa. Although it’s generally classified as a sleep disorder, it’s still ideal to visit your local Toorak dentist to have your mouth checked since an underlying oral issue may be contributing to your sleeping disorder.

On the other hand, sleep apnea could also stimulate or worsen certain oral issues, such as the issues mentioned below:

Dry mouth. Dry mouth is one of the more common symptoms of sleep apnea because when you stop breathing during sleep, your mouth tends to hang open. This, in turn, reduces saliva production and robs your mouth of moisture and hydration. Saliva is a crucial factor in keeping not only mouth bacteria at bay but also neutralizing acids, encouraging tooth remineralization to make the enamel stronger. If left unchecked, your dry mouth could lead to a variety of oral concerns like bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease.

Teeth grinding (bruxism). People who suffer from sleep apnea tend to be irritable and have poor focus, which further leads to added stress and anxiety. Unknowingly, this could also build up in your subconscious and manifest in the form of teeth grinding during your sleep. This disorder damages your tooth enamel, which heightens sensitivity that could lead to pain and even tooth fracture. In some cases, patients who grind their teeth develop jaw pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

Gum disease. A good night’s rest is essential for our bodies, but if you have sleep apnea, then it could compromise your immune system. Because you have disrupted sleep, you feel much weaker, thus lowering your antibodies that fend off infections like gum disease. It may start as a simple pain in the gums until it escalates to gum disease. If you’ve noticed chronic pain and inflammation in your gums, get yourself checked by an emergency dentist since this could worsen your condition. If left unchecked, the disease could progress to bone loss around the teeth and other health concerns.

How does your underlying oral health condition affect sleep apnea?

As mentioned before, sleep apnea and oral concerns are interlinked in a bidirectional way; sometimes, it’s your oral issues that contribute to and even help develop sleep apnea. Here are a couple of oral factors that affect it:

Adenoids and large tonsils. Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, made of a patch of tissue behind the nose, in the upper portion of your throat. They work together with your tonsils to maintain body fluid balance and clear infection. However, they tend to enlarge, which causes blockages in the airway, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, the tissues can be removed surgically to improve sleep apnea symptoms.

Underbite. An underbite, medically referred to as retrognathia, is an oral condition wherein your bottom teeth extend past your upper ones, which can lead to dental issues and jaw problems. Food consumption can be inconvenient, and also intake of diverse cuisine impacts your oral health, which can be worse depending on the type of food and drinks you consume. Because your teeth are misaligned, cavity and plaque buildup are imminent, given how there are a lot of hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can thrive, thus increasing the chances of infection. Concerning sleep apnea, your misaligned jaw can obstruct your airway, leading to OSA. But similar to adenoids, some patients can undergo jaw surgery or orthodontic treatment to improve their airways and alleviate their sleep apnea symptoms.

Dental appliances. Sleep apnea can be treated in several ways, but the most common is through the use of oral appliances, which are similar to a mouthguard. This is a far better option compared to using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, where a patient is required to wear a mask while they sleep to help them breathe.

How can I address sleep apnea through oral care?

Using dental appliances and a CPAP machine may be the main methods to address sleep apnea, but adapting several routines can also help ease the symptoms.

Practice good oral hygiene. Regardless of whether you have a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea or not, you must religiously practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and finish by rinsing your mouth. Make sure to clean your tongue as well using a tongue scraper to ensure bacteria removal.

Use oral appliance therapy (OAT). Visit your local dentist so they can collaborate with a medical professional to design your OAT device.

Manage your stress. Finally, it’s best to look into stress management and reduction techniques that you can practice to help ease your anxiety.

Sleep apnea can worsen your existing oral conditions, and the same could be said the other way around. To ensure optimal health, it’s best to address both your oral concerns and sleep apnea symptoms so you can improve your overall well-being.

Share:

707 Malvern Rd

Toorak, VIC 3142

Call 03 9804 7710

Call us today!
Late Evening Appointments Now Available on Mondays Until 6:30 p.m.
This is default text for notification bar