How Sleep Apnea Influences Oral Health

Face close up of snoring man because of hypopnea disorderFeeling comfortable in your own skin is an empowering experience, and maintaining a vibrant smile can help boost your levels of confidence and happiness. As such, cosmetic dental treatment is designed to address any surface-level concern that may threaten your overall appearance. Keep in mind, however, that minor stains and cracks are not the only factors that can threaten your smile’s health, and some circumstances might be occurring without you recognizing there is an issue until it has progressed significantly. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist examines the dangerous effects of sleep apnea, and how we can provide effective treatment.

A Natural Attempt at Oxygen Regulation

Your routine dental checkups and cleanings serve a number of important purposes, including identifying factors that are negatively affecting your oral health and determining what aspects of your at-home preventive routine need a little brushing up on. Additionally, it can also provide insight into nontraditional oral health concerns that may be placing your smile at risk, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Indeed, OSA is a phenomenon that occurs when a person’s airway becomes blocked, thus preventing enough oxygen from making its way to your brain with ease. Though this phenomenon can occur when an individual is awake, it more often than not occurs while a person is slumbering.

When air is unable to pass with ease through the passageway, your brain may send signals to briefly rouse you to correct the concern. Oftentimes, however, the result is periodic lapses of stopped breathing and a restless night of sleep. To learn more about this process and how it influences your oral health, give our team a call today.

Direct Impacts on Your Health

Although sleep apnea may seem as though it is not that closely related to your oral health, it is important to recognize the impact it does have on your health overall. For example, direct impacts of OSA might include waking with a dry mouth, hypersomnia during the day, insomnia when you try to sleep, daytime fatigue and irritability, and more. If you or someone you know is experiencing the signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, reach out to our team to learn your options today.

Long-Term Effects and How We Help

In addition to the short-term effects, some long-term consequences may include cardiovascular complications, complications with surgeries or taking medications, liver issues, and more. The frightening reality is that the longer you wait to seek treatment, the bigger of an impact OSA will have on your overall health. As such, it is much better to seek treatment immediately as opposed to waiting it out.

Learn More Today

Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about the dangers of obstructive sleep apnea.