What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the term used to refer to reoccurring bouts of breath loss during a sleep cycle. With each pause, which will typically last up to 10 seconds, the brain sends a distress signal that triggers the person to awaken. If this has been happening to you, here are some of the warning signs you may have already noticed:
- Moodiness
- Lost libido
- Depression
- Daytime lethargy
- Excessive weight gain
- Difficulty maintaining focus
Additionally, sleep apnea can place you at a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, liver problems and a host of other health issues. To make matters worse, dentists have discovered that the condition can even affect your teeth.
How Sleep Apnea Can Impact Your Oral Health
In addition to leaving you less functional and more susceptible to a myriad of health challenges, sleep apnea can contribute to the following:
Cracked or Worn Teeth
Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is more common among people who suffer from sleep apnea. Statistics show that one in four people who has the condition grinds his or her teeth, which over time, can weaken them and lead to cracks.
Jaw Pain
Prolonged bruxism can also lead to jaw pain and TMD, which is the dysfunction of the joint that opens and closes the mouth.
Higher Risk of Cavity Development
Because people with sleep apnea are more likely to breathe through their mouths instead of the nose, the chances of cavities forming are much higher. This is due to the habit drying the protective saliva and leaving the mouth more vulnerable to oral bacteria growing.
The good news is that there is help available for you.
How a Sleep Dentist Can Help You Recover
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which refers to a partial blockage of the airway, is the most common form of sleep apnea. The traditional way of treating the condition is with CPAP therapy, which involves wearing a cumbersome mask at night, but this route leaves much to be desired. Thankfully, your local sleep dentist has a more convenient and comfortable solution: a custom oral sleep appliance.
It’s designed to slightly shift your jaw forward while you sleep to keep your airway open, so that you can have an uninterrupted night of sleep. This will also translate into less oral health problems. If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA and want to restore your oral and overall wellness, contact your sleep apnea dentist in Baytown to request a visit.
About the Author
Since graduating from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston, Dr. Dean Hutto has gone on to amass over two decades of experience providing top-notch dental care. A member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he treats sleep apnea at Sleep Better Baytown, and he can be reached for more information through his website.