Sleep apnea is known to affect many different aspects of your life. From the inability to function at work each day to driving drowsily and putting yourself and others at risk while on the road, the effects can even take a toll on your overall health (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, etc.). But have you considered what kind of dental dangers exist? To find out how your sleep patterns might impact your oral health, keep reading.
Gum Disease & Sleep Apnea: The Common Link
Your inability to sleep soundly at night can do more than negatively impact your heart and brain health. You may not realize it, but your gums are also at risk.
When sleeping, you may likely breathe with your mouth open. This results in harmful particles entering your mouth throughout the night and remaining on your teeth and gums. If left untreated, this accumulation of bad oral bacteria can lead to what is known as gum disease or gingivitis.
What can start as red, swollen, and bleeding gums – symptoms that can be easily reversed with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings – can quickly morph into loose teeth, bone loss, and gum recession.
Ways to Treat & Prevent Gum Disease
No matter if you’re living with sleep apnea or not, preventing gum disease doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following these helpful tips, you can keep your soft oral tissues in the best possible shape:
- Follow a regular oral hygiene routine at home of brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing at least once before bedtime, and rinsing accordingly.
- Stay away from sugars and starches, replacing them with healthier options, like fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and lean protein.
- Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products. Also, limit your alcohol consumption.
If you have gum disease and need help to treat it, you can talk to your dentist about effective treatment options, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or even laser periodontal therapy. With regular attention, you can reduce any gum pocket formations and improve your oral health over time.
Ways to Address Sleep Apnea
While working to keep your gum health in the best possible shape, you’ll also want to make sure that you address your sleep apnea. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with a local expert who can order a sleep study and determine if you require further treatment. If so, wearing a customized oral appliance, wearing a CPAP device, or embarking on a weight loss journey might be recommended.
Treating one and not the other will only keep you in a vicious cycle of poor oral and overall health. Instead, give yourself a chance to live life to the fullest – with a healthier smile and better-quality sleep.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Dallas is a specialized practice devoted to helping individuals who desire better sleep while also being able to breathe freely. Our team of specialists wants to make sure that your nightly rest comes with positive results that are evident as part of your oral and overall health. If you are concerned you may have gum disease as a result of your untreated snoring or sleep apnea, contact us to find out how our team can help.