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A lot of people think snoring is just an annoying nighttime habit, but loud snoring can often indicate a deeper issue: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, and beyond that, there are a lot of cases that go undiagnosed. But left unidentified and untreated, sleep apnea can have significant effects on your overall health, including your oral health.
Understanding the risks of untreated sleep apnea can help you recognize symptoms early and find the treatment you need.
The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This causes your breathing to stop and restart throughout the night.
Some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms include:
Because these symptoms occur while you are sleeping, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea until a spouse, family member, or healthcare provider notices the signs.
When breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, the body’s oxygen levels drop, and stress on its vital systems increases. This can, over time, contribute to serious health complications.
Sleep apnea places extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Repeated oxygen deprivation can lead to elevated blood pressure and increase the risk of:
Because sleep apnea prevents restorative sleep, sufferers often wake up feeling exhausted, even after spending a full night in bed. This ongoing fatigue can affect:
Sleep apnea has been linked to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control. Those with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Poor sleep affects emotional well-being. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with:
Many notice significant improvements in mood and mental clarity once their sleep apnea is properly treated.
While the systemic effects of sleep apnea are well known, many people are surprised to learn that it can also affect oral health.
Many sleep apnea patients breathe through their mouths during sleep. This often leads to persistent dry mouth, which reduces the protective effects of saliva.
Without adequate saliva, patients face a greater risk of:
Research suggests a relationship between sleep apnea and periodontal (gum) disease. The signs of gum disease include:
Many individuals with sleep apnea also experience bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding. This can lead to:
A dentist may identify signs of grinding before a patient realizes it’s happening.
Certain oral structures can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction, including:
Because it’s your dentist's job to routinely evaluate these structures, we are sometimes the first healthcare providers to recognize sleep apnea risk factors.
During routine dental exams, your dentist at Apple Tree Dental will watch for the classic sleep apnea signs:
If sleep apnea is suspected, we may recommend a sleep evaluation with a physician or sleep specialist, who can accurately diagnose the issue.
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains a common treatment, many patients benefit from custom oral appliance therapy.
These specially designed appliances:
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or those who struggle with CPAP, oral appliances can be an effective alternative.
Sleep apnea is much more than a snoring problem. Left untreated, it can affect your heart, metabolism, mental health, and oral health. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life and reduce the long-term health risks that come from an untreated case.
If you experience chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, dry mouth, or signs of teeth grinding, talk with our dental team at Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg.
If you have concerns about sleep apnea or are interested in learning more about oral appliance therapy, contact Apple Tree Dental. Our dental team is here to help you sleep better, feel better, and protect your long-term health.
