Sleep Apnea and Gum Disease — How Are They Connected?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that interferes with the quality of your rest, and gum disease is a bacterial infection of the soft tissue around your teeth. At first, it might seem like these two issues are completely unrelated. But that is not so! In fact, they often occur in the same people. Just how are they connected, and what can you do to protect your health? This blog post provides helpful information.

How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Gum Disease

 In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), loose tissues in the throat cause obstructions in the upper airway, which lead to repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. OSA often causes snoring and mouth breathing.

This mouth breathing can reduce the amount of saliva in your oral cavity. Saliva is essential for protecting your gums and teeth because it helps wash away bacteria and food particles. When saliva levels drop, harmful bacteria can thrive, thereby increasing your risk of gum disease.

How Gum Disease Can Worsen Sleep Apnea

The relationship between gum disease and sleep apnea is a two-way street.

If you already have gum disease, the infection in your mouth can increase your body’s total burden of inflammation. Your oral tissues may even swell, which can further restrict your airway and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep Apnea and Gum Disease Are a Dangerous Combination

Too many people minimize the seriousness of both sleep apnea and gum disease. If they are left untreated, these conditions are associated with a broad range of health complications. For example, they both increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Both are also associated with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. Indeed, either of these conditions on its own could contribute to an early death, and when they occur together, the danger is even greater.

What Can You Do?

The above information might seem scary, but there is good news! Both sleep apnea and gum disease are manageable! You may be able to greatly reduce your health risks by taking some practical steps:

• Practice thorough oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup to catch gum disease early.
• Avoid tobacco and limit sugary foods, as these can increase your risk for gum disease.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially before bedtime.

You should also monitor the quality of your sleep and talk to your doctor if you snore frequently or have other OSA symptoms. After you get a sleep apnea diagnosis, you might be eligible for a custom oral appliance from a dentist. This little device can gently reposition your jaw at night, which helps to keep your airway open and facilitate healthy breathing.

Sleep apnea and gum disease are major threats to your health! Fortunately, both of these conditions can be managed with appropriate professional care and good daily habits.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Ivan Paskalev is a highly accomplished dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He offers gum disease treatment, sleep apnea treatment, and many other services. To learn more about him and how he may be able to support your oral and overall health, contact our office in Eugene, OR, at 541-485-0272.