Health

The Connection Between Sleep Apnea And Dentistry You Should Know

The connection between sleep apnea and dentistry you should know

There are a huge number of people living on this planet that snore, including children. Sleep apnea is a very common problem these days due to many reasons. It is a disorder that leads to brief however repeated interruptions to breathing normally while sleeping. Sleep apnea is not life-threatening, but it can have an impact on your normal life and even oral health.

Different types of sleep apnea

Thereare3 different ways by which sleep apnea can occur. OSA is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and it happens when there is a blockage in your airway. Typically the tongue collapses against the palate which again collapses against the back of the throat resulting in blocking the airway. It is the most common sleep apnea type. Then the second type is central sleep apnea that occurs when your brain fails to send signals to the respiratory system muscles that are used for breathing. Complex sleep apnea is the third type and it is the combination of the first two.

What sleep apnea has to do with teeth?

There are several symptoms of sleep apnea such as concentration difficulty, exhaustion, and headaches. You might not know this but it can also impact your oral health. There is a connection between OSA and gum disease, but the most common complication is TMJ or TMD which is a temporomandibular joint disorder. There are several studies made on this and it is proven that the jaw reflexively clenches to avoid blocking the airways when the throat relaxes while you sleep. TMD can cause other issues like broken, cracked, or worn teeth, chronic headaches, pain while chewing food, and even shoulder and neck pain.

How your dentist can help you with sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea and dental health are connected and your dentist will be able to solve them easily. They can spot the symptoms and even diagnose the sleep apnea disorder. So for both of these conditions can be diagnosed with the first appointment with your dentist. The moment you find out the symptoms you must consult a dentist and you will save yourself from affecting your overall health. If you are be diagnosed with sleep apnea there are some treatment options like CPAP and dental devices which you have to use at night. This device will push your lower jaw or tongue forward.

If you have experienced any symptoms you will not be able to lead a normal life. There will also be health issues associated with your condition so make sure that you consult a dentist faster. Book your appointment with Tuxedo dental group and get a solution for your health condition at the best prices. To know more about sleep apnea and dentistry, visit our site Tuxedo Dental Group