Can Sleep Apnea Lead to Dental Problems?

While not all sleep disorders lead to dental problems, studies have shown that sleep apnea can cause oral health problems such as dry mouth and bruxism. You might not notice it at first, but sleep apnea can take its toll on your oral health. Not only can it affect your oral health, but it could also affect your overall wellness. If you want to manage this condition, the best way to deal with it is to ask for advice from a dentist specializing in sleep apnea in San Jose.  

In the meantime, it’s essential to learn everything that there is know about this sleeping disorder. To help you further understand the severity of this condition, here’s how sleep apnea could lead to dental problems in the future.  

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Oral Health  

What is Sleep Apnea?  

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that interrupts your breathing patterns while you sleep. This condition can be caused by having an oversized tongue, weak airway muscles, or being overweight. Whatever the cause is, this breathing problem can cause health complications such as breathing problems and oral health diseases.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:  

• Snoring  
• Shortness of Breath  
• Gasping for air during sleep  
• Sleepiness and fatigue  
• Low attention span  
• Can’t concentrate  

Connection to Oral Health  

The link between sleep apnea and oral health lies within the condition of your mouth when you’re sleeping and after waking up. Getting quality sleep every day doesn’t only keep you healthy, but it could also prevent dental problems associated with sleep apnea. Dental issues that are likely to surface if you have sleep apnea can affect your oral health in many ways.  

Disorders such as periodontal disease, bruxism, and dry mouth are the most prevalent conditions you might encounter if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. To help fight the signs, you’ll have to see a medical professional who can diagnose your problem. Your dentist can also help treat your sleep apnea by recommending night guards, orthodontic treatments, and other corrective measures.  

Dry Mouth  

More often than not, dry mouth could happen if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. When you snore, one tendency that your body does is sleeping with your mouth open. This allows air to constantly pass through your mouth, drying it until you wake up. A dry mouth can accumulate bacteria that can cause different oral health problems.  

Bruxism  

Teeth grinding and sleep apnea are often associated with each other since bruxism is the first sign of sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder can affect your oral health by damaging the surfaces of your teeth when you’re asleep.  

People who suffer from bruxism often complain that their veneer shells get damaged whenever they wake up after a night of teeth grinding.  

Are You Looking for an Expert in Sleep Apnea in San Jose?        

We've got you covered if you're looking for a reliable and knowledgeable dentist who knows a lot about sleep apnea. Our dedicated dentists here at the Center for Advanced Dentistry will ensure that you receive the proper treatment. To learn more about our services, give us a call today!