Sleep Assessment
When it comes to your oral health, you may not think of sleep as a factor that affects it. However, patients with sleep apnea are at risk of gum disease because they tend to sleep with their mouths open. If you fail to seek treatment for sleep apnea, your condition may contribute to gum inflammation. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and gum disease and how your doctor can help.
What Is the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Gum Disease?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that affects millions of Americans every year. It causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, resulting in the tissues in the upper airway blocking the free flow of air. Usually, people with this sleep disorder breathe primarily through their mouths while they sleep. It causes dry mouth and creates an environment in which harmful bacteria can thrive, eventually resulting in gum disease.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. Sleep apnea can contribute to the development of gum disease by causing people to suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and clenching). Over time, the continual pressure placed on the gums by the grinding and clenching can cause pockets to form between them and the teeth. As a result, bacteria have an opportunity to invade the pockets and cause an infection.
The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea
Because sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for gum disease, it is strongly encouraged that you seek treatment. Improving your quality of sleep can do wonders for your life and oral health. While you could get CPAP therapy to address your sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be easier to adjust to since it fits similarly to an orthodontic retainer. Additionally, it can protect your teeth from bruxism! Your sleep dentist can help you find a solution that’s best for your needs. That way, it’ll be easier for you to breathe through your nose at night and you could improve your gum health.
As you can see, sleep apnea and gum disease are a dangerous combination. If you fail to seek the treatment you need, you may experience serious complications down the line. With the help of your sleep dentist, you can get your oral health and sleep back on the right track!
About the Practice
At Sleep Solutions by Michel Dental, we’ll do everything we can to help you find the relief you need from conditions like sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ dysfunction. Our team will always take a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment to ensure you get the care you deserve. To learn more about our solutions, visit our website or call (785) 273-0802.