If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you know that this condition can reverberate throughout your waking life, wreaking havoc on things like your blood pressure, cognitive abilities, and blood oxygen level. But did you also know that it can also have negative effects on your oral health, too? Here’s how if not treated, OSA can harm your smile!
OSA and Gum Disease
If you think about the connection between OSA and periodontal disease, it really does make sense. When you have sleep apnea, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. This can decrease your saliva production, leaving you vulnerable to dry mouth. Saliva contains enzymes that help neutralize the acid created by bad bacteria that live in your mouth. Without it, your teeth are at a higher risk of cavities and your gums are more likely to develop gum disease. Worse yet, OSA is known to cause systematic inflammation which can further harm gums infected by bacteria, worsening periodontal disease symptoms.
The Importance of Dental Screenings
Because these two conditions go hand-in-hand, if you are suffering from one, it may be beneficial for your dentist to screen you for the other. This is especially important if you have any additional symptoms such as daytime lethargy, cognitive impairment, or if you have another medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, patients who are at an increased risk of both sleep apnea and gum disease such as those who are over the age of 50, male, overweight, and who smoke may benefit from being evaluated for each condition with regular dental checkups.
CPAP and Gum Disease
Because CPAP machines force air into your airway via your mouth, they can also sometimes dry it out. If you are experiencing negative side-effects from this method of sleep apnea treatment, speak to your dentist today about a customized sleep apnea appliance. These devices are made specifically for your unique mouth, and instead of using forced air prop the airway open manually, so you don’t suffer any of the problematic issues so common with CPAP such as dry mouth. These devices are also more convenient, as they don’t require electricity to run, are easier to clean, and don’t require you to wear an uncomfortable face mask.
Remember, if not treated properly, OSA and gum disease can easily make each other worse. Don’t let either condition complicate the symptoms or treatment of the other. If you are suffering from gum inflammation, dry mouth, or you have trouble staying asleep, struggle to get air while resting, or have been told you snore or gasp for air during the night, speak to your dentist about these risk factors today.
About Our Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, Dr. Buller and Dr. Odenweller care about more than just your oral health. That’s because they know that your mouth is connected to your entire body, and very often problems that originate there can have a ripple effect on your overall wellness, too. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease and/or sleep apnea, stop struggling to get through another night. Schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment with us today by visiting our website or call us directly at 614-475-1874.