When you think about snoring or poor sleep, your teeth probably don’t come to mind. But sleep apnea and your oral health are closely connected, and our dentists in Las Vegas, NV, may be the first to notice!
Symptoms of sleep apnea include waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, daytime grogginess, and mood changes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Miracle Dental in Las Vegas, NV, can help. Call (702) 456-0056 to explore sleep apnea treatment with Dr. Ann Pham and Dr. Halan Tran today!
In this post, we talk about how sleep apnea affects your mouth, what signs your dentist looks for, and how a dental visit might help you sleep better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing gets interrupted for short periods while sleeping. This can happen many times during the night. It causes loud snoring, gasping, and poor-quality sleep.
You may wake up tired, moody, or with a headache. But sleep apnea also affects your mouth more than you might realize.
How Are Sleep Apnea and Your Oral Health Connected?
Your mouth is a big part of your airway. If something blocks it, like your tongue or soft tissues, you may have sleep apnea.
Here’s how sleep apnea and your oral health go hand in hand:
Dry Mouth
Many people who experience sleep apnea breathe through their mouths. This is bad because mouth breathing dries out the oral cavity, which can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
People with sleep apnea often display increased jaw activity during sleep, causing them to clench or grind their teeth. This wears down enamel and can damage teeth.
Inflamed Gums
Interrupted breathing reduces oxygen levels, which can inflame the gums. Plus, mouth breathing prevents normal saliva flow, which is necessary for keeping the bacteria responsible for gum disease in check.
Jaw Issues
The strain of trying to breathe through apneic episodes can affect your jaw joint (TMJ), leading to pain or popping sounds.
Signs Your Dentist May Notice
During a dental checkup, your dentist might spot early signs of sleep apnea. These signs can include:
- Worn-down or cracked teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- A small jaw or narrow airway
- Tongue scalloping (ridges on the sides of your tongue)
- A dry mouth or throat
If your dentist sees these clues, they may ask questions about your sleep. They might refer you to a sleep specialist, recommend an at-home sleep test, or custom-made oral appliances to help.
How a Dentist Can Help
The good news? Dentists don’t just spot problems – they help solve them!
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, our Vegas dentists can offer a custom-made oral appliance. This device looks a lot like a mouthguard, but you wear it at night. It gently moves your jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep.
This treatment is quiet, easy to wear, and great for people who don’t like CPAP machines. Plus, it can protect your teeth from grinding!
Talk to Vegas Dentists About Sleep Apnea Treatment Today
Sleep apnea and your oral health may seem like separate issues, but they’re closely connected. The team at Miracle Dental can play a big role in helping you breathe better and protecting your smile.
If you’re snoring, grinding your teeth, or waking up tired, don’t wait. Talk to Dr. Ann Pham or Dr. Halan Tran. Click here to request an appointment in Las Vegas, NV, or dial (702) 456-0056 to learn more about simple sleep apnea treatments.
