Oral Health: Jaws, Your Gums and Sleep Apnea

Affecting well over 8 million adults, just in the United States, and up to 21 percent of children, all of which who habitually snore, sleep apnea is ramping up! Sleep apnea is described as a disorder. One that typically involves quick, but repeated interruptions during your normal breathing sleep cycle. While it is considered life threatening, it is also garnering attention as being harmful to your oral health.

What are some of the Sleep Apnea Types?

The most common of these is what is called (OSA) or Obstructive sleep apnea, which is common to a blocked air passage. This form of sleep apnea involves the tongue which collapses on one’s soft palate proceeded by the back of the throat, affecting the space for air to get through. Central sleep apnea, which is considered a rare form of sleep apnea, entails the brain’s failing to signal one’s respiratory muscles to continue breathing. The experience of the 2 combined is referred to as complex sleep apnea.Whether one type or the other, sleep apnea is a reaction of the brain alarming one to the lack of air forcing a person to awake and breathe. The process itself might only last seconds with the occurrence happening hundreds of times per night, though the sleeper may not remember anything. Our bodies benefit most from uninterrupted sleep for proper rest, though our bodies can experience detrimental impact through the loss of this quality of sleep.

Healthy Sleep = Healthy Smiles!

We all need good sleep in order to feel our best, so if you’ve been living with sleep apnea symptoms, your next dental appointment could change your life. Stop by our practice today or give us a call to schedule a dental exam, and we’ll be able to discover if sleep apnea is the cause. You’ll be on the path to a better night’s sleep and a healthier smile! Everyone needs a good sleep in order be feeling their best, so if you have been enduring sleep apnea symptoms, then scheduling a dental appointment could be a life changer.

Your Best Ally, Your Dentist

The side-effects of sleep apnea can be so common to dental that often your dentist is the first to diagnose and recognize it. Keeping up with regular scheduled appointments can be a benefit to your health, in addition to your oral health. Treatment options for patients include  (continuous positive airway pressure) CPAP machines and dental devices that push the lower jaw forward while you sleep.

Healthy Rest Patients!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.