Sleep apnea is an increasingly common condition, particularly in Canada. What many people don’t realize is that sudden periods of difficult breathing or struggling to inhale could be affecting their dental health in the long term. As a sleep disorder, sleep apnea is often diagnosed by a medical physician. However, its early signs are easily recognized by dentists. This is because apnea, a condition in which a person physically cannot breathe for short periods of time while sleeping, leaves telltale fingerprints in the mouth. But what are these fingerprints, and can they be prevented?
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most frequently seen symptoms of sleep apnea sufferers is decreased or poor oral hygiene. Sleep apnea has many effects on an individual, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. Studies have shown that people feeling these emotions are less invested in their oral health and will neglect regular brushing and flossing, often for days at a time. When someone is not managing their oral hygiene on a regular basis, it allows plaque and bacteria to build up in the mouth. This plaque is a central cause of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.2. Canker Sores
Canker sores are uncomfortable, fluid-filled sores inside of the mouth. They are different from cold sores in that they are not caused by the Herpes virus and appear in the mouth instead of outside of it. These sores can be caused by anxiety, stress, and trauma inside of the mouth caused by sleep apnea and trouble sleeping. If someone starts to have more canker sores than normal, it could be a sign of uncomfortable sleep and sleep apnea itself.3. Bacterial Infections
Sleep apnea is known to cause conditions like snoring or sleeping with the mouth open. When this happens, it can lead to the development of dry mouth. A dry mouth does not produce and maintain enough saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against plaque and bacteria. Without saliva, individuals are more prone to tooth decay and experiencing bacterial infections in the soft tissues of the mouth. This means the gums can become infected, causing gingivitis and even advanced periodontitis.Read more
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