The Connection Between Oral Health and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep ailments in the world. It’s a condition where you temporarily stop breathing in your sleep due to a blocked airway. There are many well-known complications of sleep apnea, such as obesity and respiratory conditions. However, one of the lesser-known potential complications of sleep apnea is that it can lead to oral issues. We will explain more about how sleep apnea can affect oral health and why it could affect how urgently you need to pursue sleep apnea treatment.  

If you are looking for quality sleep apnea treatment in El Paso, Silva Dentistry is here to help. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call (915) 591-4303 today.

How Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Oral Health 

Sleep apnea can have a very negative impact on your oral health in several ways, including: 

TMJ Problems 

One of the most common complications of sleep apnea is TMJ issues. People who have sleep apnea grind their teeth relentlessly in their sleep, which eventually takes a toll on your TMJ. This can lead to intense pain anytime you move your jaw or use your mouth. You should pursue sleep apnea treatment immediately if you’re having TMJ issues! 

Bruxism 

Bruxism, better known as grinding your teeth, is another sign and complication of sleep apnea. Bruxism is common in people with sleep apnea because the jaw clenches and moves back and forth while you’re trying to breathe. In addition to being annoying to your sleep partner, bruxism can also lead to tooth degradation, headaches, TMJ problems, and more. 

Mouth Breathing 

People with sleep apnea often have nasal congestion, causing them to breathe through their mouth, which requires sleep apnea treatment. Unfortunately, excessive mouth breathing is a leading cause of dry mouth and tooth decay, not to mention other issues like COPD. 

Bad Breath and Mouth Ulcers 

Tooth decay and mouth breathing, in turn, can lead to bad breath, mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and many other oral health problems. 

Can Oral Issues Cause Sleep Apnea? 

In addition to the many oral health problems that sleep apnea can cause, oral problems can also lead to sleep apnea! Each of the things we mentioned above, while sometimes being side effects of sleep apnea, can also be the cause. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment in El Paso

Whether your sleep apnea is causing oral issues or your oral issues are causing sleep apnea, Silva Dentistry can help. We’re oral professionals who specialize in sleep apnea treatment. Additionally, while we’re treating your sleep apnea, we can also treat any potential oral complications that are connected to your condition. Call (915) 591-4303 today.