Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder the effects approximately 30 million Americans. This can result in a variety of negative consequences, including loud snoring, fatigue, and difficulty focusing on tasks during the day. What many people don’t know is that sleep apnea and gum disease are often connected. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how they are related.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea & Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that holds your teeth into place. This happens when harmful bacteria are allowed to accumulate in the mouth. There are multiple factors that can play a role in its development – including obstructive sleep apnea. Those with obstructive sleep apnea often snore loudly and breathe through their mouth instead of their nose. Mouth-breathing for long periods can cause the oral cavity to dry out, so harmful bacteria aren’t being rinsed away by saliva. This gives bacteria an easier time to accumulate and multiply.
Why Is Sleep Apnea & Gum Disease a Dangerous Combo?
At first, gum disease is mild and doesn’t cause many notable symptoms. However, when left untreated, gum disease can be devastating for your smile. It is the leading cause of tooth long among adults. It is also associated with a heightened risk of serious health issues, like stroke, hypertension, heart attack, and more. Sleep apnea is also associated with circulatory issues. When combined with gum disease, it can threaten your overall wellbeing.
How Can You Improve Your Sleep & Protect Your Smile?
Here are some steps you can take to improve your quality of sleep and dental health.
- Seek Sleep Apnea Treatment: If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, you should see a professional to obtain a diagnosis. This way, you can work together to find a treatment option that’s right for you.
- See Your Dentist: By attending your routine cleanings and checkups, your dentist will keep an eye out for signs of gum disease. This way, if there are any concerns, steps can be taken to treat and eliminate the infection.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet can play a huge role in weight management, which can lower your risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Healthy choices can also support your oral health.
Gum disease and obstructive sleep apnea go hand in hand. By taking the ste[s above, you can work toward excellent oral health and quality sleep.
About the Practice
At Sound Dentistry, Dr. Moftah El-Ghadi, Dr. John Govostes, and Dr. Anna Kitsos work together to treat patients in the New Bedford community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or gum disease treatment, visit their website or call (508) 321-7874.