What Is Sleep Apnea?
It is estimated that about a half a million adults suffer from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), making them two of the most common sleep disorders. In addition to keeping someone from getting a good night’s sleep, snoring and/or sleep apnea can also present serious health risks and have been associated with both cardiovascular and systemic disease.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing a sleep-related breathing disorder such as OSA typically involves the dentist as well as the patient’s physician and/or other specialists.
Risk Factors for OSA:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being male- sleep apnea and OSA affects more men than women
- Having diabetes
- Smoking and tobacco use
Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays may be done to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. A sleep study may be performed, either at home or at a specialist’s office, to evaluate the quality of sleep.
What can sleep apnea cause to my mouth?
Dry Mouth
Saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. It washes away food debris, neutralizes destructive acids caused by bacteria and helps keep the soft and hard tissues of the mouth in good condition. Sleep Apnea (and the snoring that often comes with this condition) can dry out the mouth. When this happens, there is not enough saliva to provide and distribute much-needed disease-fighting organisms in the mouth. When allowed to continue untreated over time, dry mouth can lead to oral bacterial infection, bad breath, and other dental problems.
Teeth Grinding
Most people who suffer from sleep apnea also have a tendency to grit and grind their teeth while they sleep. Teeth grinding, or bruxism can damage the enamel (outer surface) of your teeth, which weakens them and can hasten tooth decay. Bruxism has also been known to lead to other medical problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder can cause tension headaches, pinched nerves, and spontaneous or increased pain from carrying out normal activities.
Tooth Loss
When left untreated for an extended period, sleep apnea can dry out the sockets of your teeth. This, especially when coupled with teeth grinding, can loosen your teeth and cause tooth loss over time.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Diagnosing a sleep-related breathing disorder such as OSA typically involves the dentist as well as the patient’s physician and/or other specialists.
Risk Factors for OSA:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being male- sleep apnea and OSA affects more men than women
- Having diabetes
- Smoking and tobacco use
Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays may be done to examine the airway and look for signs of blockage. A sleep study may be performed, either at home or at a specialist’s office, to evaluate the quality of sleep.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one snores, discuss this with Dr. Engelberg at your next visit to their Arlington Heights dentist office. Arlington Heights Smiles serves many local communities including Long Grove, IL, Deerfield, IL, Northbrook, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, Arlington Heights, IL and many other local Chicago suburbs.
Treating a sleep disorder can restore overall health for both the patient and those affected by their snoring. Call 847.230.9703 or request an appointment online.