Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans and can cause serious health effects if left untreated. If you were recently diagnosed with this condition, you likely have questions about how it will affect your general and oral health. Your family dentist can answer any questions related to oral care. Here’s more on what you should know about sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in your breathing while you sleep. If you have this condition, your breathing may stop multiple times throughout the night, making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep. As a result, you might feel tired during the day. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, dry mouth, headaches, and irritability.

How Does It Affect Your Health?

Without proper treatment, sleep apnea can lead to various health complications. The abrupt drops in oxygen levels that result from the condition can increase blood pressure and strain your heart. This can increase your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and weight gain.

There’s also a connection between sleep apnea and your oral health. Because the condition leads to mouth breathing, you may develop dry mouth. Without adequate saliva to wash away bacteria and plaque, you’re at risk of developing cavities. Your family dentist can recommend mouth rinses and increase saliva production.

Teeth grinding is also associated with sleep apnea. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to cracks and chips. Your family dentist can give you a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding at night.

If you have sleep apnea, put your trust in Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. Led by family dentist Dr. Greg Blome, DDS, the practice offers a variety of dental services for patients of all ages and emphasizes preventative care. They provide everything from routine cleanings to tooth fillings and dental bridges. and they are committed to catering to their patients’ comfort and convenience. For more information about their services, call (402) 483-7000 or visit their website.