How Sleep Apnea Contributes to Gum Disease

Every night, millions of patients miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea—but your rest isn’t the only thing at stake if you suffer from this condition! If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to many other problems, including some that impact your oral health. One such issue is gum disease, which can spell bad news for your smile if it’s allowed to progress. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about the link between sleep apnea and gum disease in Owings Mills along with some tips you can employ to improve the quality of your sleep while safeguarding your smile.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea & Gum Disease

The link between sleep apnea and gum disease is complicated, as each condition affects your body in different ways. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by blockage of the airway during sleep, often caused by the soft tissues of the throat and mouth closing. This can be caused by a variety of issues, and snoring is usually the most common symptom. The condition causes patients to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, meaning that their body must wake up often to normalize their breathing pattern!

Gum disease, like sleep apnea, is very common as well—while it’s estimated that 30 or so million people suffer from sleep apnea, it’s assumed that roughly half of all adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease! Common symptoms include bleeding and swollen gums, but if given the chance to progress, it can lead to tooth loss as well as serious infections that threaten your well-being.

The link between these two conditions primarily has to do with how sleep apnea causes patients to breathe while they’re asleep. OSA typically causes you to breathe through your mouth, rather than your nose, as you sleep; and mouth breathing greatly decreases the flow of saliva inside your mouth, drying it out.

To put it shortly, having a dry mouth can create the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. And as these bacteria multiply, your risk of gum disease increases exponentially! In addition to mouth breathing, people with sleep apnea also tend to suffer from bruxism. As these teeth become more mobile, the surrounding gum tissue can loosen and create pockets, which serve as the perfect hiding spot for harmful bacteria.

Tips for Improving Your Sleep & Preventing Gum Disease

Fortunately, sleep apnea is manageable and gum disease is preventable! Here are some tips to help improve the quality of your rest and also safeguard your smile from the likes of gum disease:

• Seek a sleep apnea diagnosis; possible treatment options include oral appliances as well as CPAP machines.
• Address other causes of sleep disruption such as too much light entering the room, warmer or colder temperatures, pet dandruff, seasonal allergies, etc.
• Don’t eat, smoke, or consume alcohol immediately before bed.
• Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and fewer sugary or acidic items.
• Maintain optimal oral health by brushing and flossing daily. Also seek regular preventive care from your dentist.

Understanding the connection between sleep apnea and gum disease will make it easier to manage and live with both conditions. However, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist if you have any concerns or need assistance.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner received his DDS from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Owings Mills community for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including sleep apnea therapy. If you have any questions about sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Milner online or over the phone for assistance or to schedule an appointment: (410) 902-4110.