How Sleep Apnea Can Increase the Risk of Gum Disease

Daytime fatigue, nighttime breathing interruptions, snoring – these are all commonly associated with the disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). What most people don’t understand is how this issue is linked to gum (periodontal) disease. You heard it right! Untreated sleep apnea can even create oral health complications. Let’s talk about how it happens and what can be done about it.

How is Sleep Apnea Connected to Gum Disease?

OSA occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the back of the throat repeatedly block airflow during sleep. Many people with sleep apnea also experience mouth breathing, particularly when nasal breathing becomes difficult.

Breathing through your mouth can dry it out and reduce the protective benefits of saliva, which include washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and controlling bacterial growth.

Without those guard rails in place, bacteria may accumulate more easily on the gums and teeth and cause a buildup of plaque. That’s where periodontal disease comes in; it’s caused by the body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria found in plaque. If you notice your gums are swollen, there’s a good chance gum disease is present.

However, an association doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sleep apnea and periodontitis. There are other factors to consider: smoking, obesity, diabetes, and oral hygiene habits may contribute to both conditions.

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

OSA often goes untreated for an obvious reason: you’re asleep! How can you know if you have a sleep disorder if you’re not awake to observe it?

A fair question, but do you frequently experience any of the following symptoms?

• Waking up feeling exhausted in the morning even though you just spent a full night in bed.
• Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air.
• Waking up with a dry mouth.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, or trouble concentrating.

If so, the first step is to see a specialist and take a sleep test. If they do diagnose you with sleep apnea, a device called a CPAP machine that utilizes a mask worn at night is probably the most common treatment.

However, many people find CPAP masks uncomfortable and difficult to sleep with. Another option that’s growing in popularity is oral appliance therapy provided by a dentist. It’s similar to wearing a retainer; you pop the appliance in over your teeth at night, and it works by adjusting the jaw slightly forward to constrict the throat muscles and keep your airway clear through the night.

Protecting Your Gums with Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, maintaining good oral hygiene is an important way to protect your teeth and gums.

• Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and help prevent cavities.
• Floss every day: Clean between your teeth to remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, especially if you experience dry mouth during the night.
• Schedule dental checkups every 6 months: Your dentist can identify early signs of gum inflammation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Tell your dentist if you regularly wake up with a dry mouth, notice bleeding or swollen gums, or experience chronic bad breath. These symptoms may indicate an oral health problem that needs attention.

About the Author

Dr. James T. Sierra is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Since graduating, he has completed over 1,200 hours of continuing education, become a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and earned Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also among 200 dentists in the U.S. trained in the trademarked NightLase procedure, a revolutionary non-surgical treatment for snoring. To learn more about Dr. Sierra’s practice, visit our website or call our Friendswood office at (281) 482-2631.