Snoring is common for many people. Sometimes it can range from minor to obstructive. If it becomes obstructive, sleep apnea damages teeth and your overall health. When obstructive, it causes irregular breathing patterns where your breathing may pause so you gasp for air. The airway is narrow and causes forceful breathing.
It is important that if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, that you seek support with it.
What Are The Causes Of Sleep Apnea?
A family or friend would be more inclined to determine whether you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or not and whether sleep apnea damages teeth. But first, let’s take a look at the common symptoms:
- Uncontrollable excessive sleep during the daytime
- Severe morning headaches
- Negative behaviour and mood changes
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
- A restless nights’ sleep
- Cycles of waking up with a choking sensation
Is It True That Sleep Apnea Damages Teeth?
There are certain oral health conditions that sleep apnea can cause. Therefore, sleep apnea damages teeth but also your overall oral health as well. Here’s how:
- Gum Disease – Sleep apnea encourages the penetration of harmful bacteria in the mouth when sleeping. This can cause dental plaque to build and coat over your teeth, leading to mild gum disease. This can progressively get worse into periodontal disease and cause tooth loss.
- Temporomandibular Join Disorder (TMJ) – TMJ is a condition that involves the moment of the jaw. It can restrict its movement can cause pain around the face. You will also experience clicking and grinding noises when you move the jaw, headaches and jaw locking.
- Bad Breath – Sleep apnea can cause dry mouth, a condition where your mouth does not produce enough saliva. This can also lead to bad breath, but also dental plaque build up owing to harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Teeth Grinding – Sleep apnea also causes teeth grinding, a condition where your teeth grind together during sleep. Click here to read more.
If you need support with Sleep Apnea and you’re worried that sleep apnea damages teeth, we’d be more than happy to help you locate your local dentist to get sleep apnea treated. Contact us here today and we’d be happy to help!
