If you’re struggling with snoring or other sleeping issues, you may have a condition that is called sleep apnea. Over 18 million American struggle with this issue—and many of them don’t even know that it’s happening! And what can be surprising to learn is that your dental health may be affecting your ability to breathe and sleep correctly.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are two different versions of sleep apnea. The most common form is when the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses during sleep. Another form is when the brain actually has problems triggering your breathing muscles during sleep—which then causes you to not be able to breathe properly when you’re asleep.
As you can imagine, sleep apnea is not safe. If could lead to stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Breathing correctly during sleep and getting a consistent flow of oxygen into your body is crucial to your overall health.
Sleep Apnea & Dental Health
So what’s sleep apnea got to do with your dental health? The more common form of sleep apnea can actually happen due to a variety of factors—and one of these factors can include the size of your jaw, tonsils, and tongue.
If you have a small jaw, for example, your airway may be more likely to collapse at night since you just don’t have a lot of room back there for compressed breathing during sleep. If your tonsils are extremely large, then they will take up more room and block the passageway of air.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
One of the signs you may have sleep apnea is if you wake up with dark circles underneath your eyes. Another sign is grinding your teeth during sleep. If your jaw feels particularly tight and sore in the mornings, or if you have headaches when you wake up in the middle of the night, you probably grind your teeth.
A dentist can also look into your mouth and find the signs of tooth grinding even if you’re not sure if you do or not, because tooth grinding causes abnormal wear on your teeth. A dentist can also find other signs for sleep apnea—such as tender gums, a scalloped tongue, or a red throat. All of these can be signs that you’re not breathing correctly during sleep and that sleep apnea may be a real concern.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Once a dentist determines if you have sleep apnea, there are many options for treatment. There may be minor adjustments, like not sleeping on your back. There are also other solutions, like a CPAP (Continuous positive air pressure) device that helps keep your airways open during sleeping. There are also oral appliances and mouth guards that can be used to help support the jaw. Sometimes, surgery is necessary—but that is the last resort, and there are many other options to try first.
If you’re having sleeping problems, then come in today to Victory Dental Group, and we can help determine if sleep apnea may be affecting you. Don’t sacrifice one more night of good sleep—your body will be so thankful you did!