You likely know that sleep apnea can affect your and your loved one’s ability to get a good night’s sleep, but did you know it also impacts your oral health? From gingivitis to bruxism, there are many complications that may arise from untreated sleep apnea. Here are some of the ways this condition can affect your oral health, and how a dentist can help.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax when you’re laying down, closing your airways and interrupting your breathing as you sleep. Being overweight affects the soft tissues of your mouth and throat, putting you at risk for the condition.

While snoring is one of the first signs of sleep apnea, you may also notice a sore throat, dry mouth, jaw pain, chronic headaches, and exhaustion when you wake.

How Does It Impact Your Oral Health?

Because many people who have the condition snore, they often wake up with a dry mouth, which can cause gingivitis and bad breath. Your mouth needs moisture to keep your teeth clean and the soft tissues of your gums healthy, so in a dry mouth, bacteria can multiply without liquids to wash it away.

Those who have sleep apnea also tend to grind their teeth at night, also known as bruxism, which can damage tooth enamel and accelerate the development of decay and gingivitis.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

A dentist is often one of the first professionals to diagnose sleep apnea, and can offer different avenues of treatment. They perform regular cleanings to remove plaque or buildup from teeth, preventing the proliferation of bacteria. If you grind your teeth, a dentist can also recommend a night guard or oral device to protect your enamel from damage.

If you have sleep apnea and noticed a change in your oral health, such as gingivitis, visit the office of Curtis Wade, DDS, PS, in Burlington, WA. This dentist and his team offer routine dental cleanings, periodontal treatments, and other services to ensure your mouth stays healthy and relieve symptoms associated with sleep apnea. View their procedures online, or call (360) 757-0201 to book an appointment.