How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Oral Health

When asking people what types of things affect their oral health, most would mention oral hygiene and dietary habits. Although these are significant factors, they are not the only ones. Certain medical conditions can also impact oral health, and one of these conditions is sleep apnea.

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Sleep apnea is generally classified as a sleep disorder. There are three different types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, occurring when the upper airway collapses or narrows during sleep, restricting airflow and causing breathing to pause.
  • Central Sleep Apnea: A condition where the brain doesn’t send proper signals to control breathing during sleep.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Mild cases of OSA can cause snoring, while more severe cases can lead to waking up gasping for air. Beyond its primary effects, such as daytime sleepiness and fatigue, sleep apnea also has secondary effects that directly impact oral health. Here are some oral health problems associated with sleep apnea:

Bruxism

Bruxism refers to teeth grinding and clenching. People with sleep apnea often develop bruxism, though the exact link is unclear. Some researchers suggest that teeth grinding helps open a collapsed airway, while others believe it stimulates saliva production to lubricate the airway.

Dry Mouth

Sleep apnea often causes snoring and gasping for air, which forces breathing through the mouth. This leads to a dry oral cavity, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to reduced saliva production. Additionally, dry mouth can cause throat irritation.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

TMD is a dysfunction of the jaw joint caused by overexertion. Sleep apnea increases the risk of developing TMD due to teeth grinding and the tendency to hold the lower jaw forward to open the airway, which stresses the jaw joint.

Overall, sleep apnea is a condition that affects both sleep quality and oral health. Seeking treatment for sleep apnea can improve both. Dentists may identify signs of sleep apnea during routine exams and recommend seeing a sleep specialist or using a nightguard to manage symptoms.