Do your snoring act as a major problem for your family members? Do you keep waking up with a start after you stop snoring? Snoring and insomnia are symptoms of sleep apnea, a certain kind of sleep disorder. Sleep apnea can cause a wide range of oral issues. It is a highly prevalent condition that affects millions of people in America. In consecutive sleep cycles, it is characterized by recurrent breathing disruptions (apneas).
Apneas are produced by the collapse of the airway tissues. It is caused by weak airway muscles, a big tongue, being overweight, or other underlying health conditions. As this sleeping disorder disturbs the sleep cycle, it saps energy and impairs mental functioning during the day. It affects long-term health as well. Ignoring this condition can be dangerous since it causes oxygen deprivation and high blood pressure.
Different Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three types of sleep apnea. They are as follows:
- Central sleep apnea (CSA): CSA occurs when the brain’s system for coordinating muscles causes respiration malfunctions, resulting in slower and shallower breathing.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the airway in the back of the throat gets physically closed while sleeping. This blockage produces breathlessness for a short time.
- Mixed sleep apnea: Mixed sleep apnea, also known as complicated sleep apnea, occurs when a person has both OSA and CSA at the same time.
There are substantial variations in the symptoms, causes, and therapies of OSA and CSA due to the underlying reasons.
The Relation Between Sleep Apnea and Oral Health
There are many ways how Sleep Apnea is linked to our oral health. Here are some ways how this sleep disorder affects our oral health:
Breathing Through The Mouth: A person with sleep apnea breathes through their mouth. This causes dry mouth, which contributes to tooth deterioration. Oral issues like plaque, oral ulcers, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and periodontal disease are some side effects of dry mouth.
Teeth Clenching or Bruxism: Bruxism is just a specific term for the involuntary habit of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It can happen at any moment, although it most commonly happens while a person is sleeping
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Since Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ involves uncontrolled and involuntary jaw movement while sleeping, bruxism is classified as a sleep disorder. It is possible that you don’t even realize you have this condition until your dentist discovers it during a cleaning exam. This condition causes degraded tooth surfaces, cracked, loose teeth, chipped, and shattered teeth.
ConclusionTherefore, it is crucial to consult your dentist if you’re drowsy during the day or have trouble sleeping on a basis. If you need the best dental healthcare services in Justin, TX, then please visit Justin Dental and Braces. Our team of dentists is capable of catering to all your dental needs.
