Sleep Apnea Lake Oswego Finding out you have sleep apnea might not seem like it is related to your dental health. But did you know that this common sleep disorder can cause serious problems with your mouth? Sleep apnea often affects the soft tissues in your mouth, so if you are not getting enough restful sleep due to breathing difficulties, your teeth and gums can suffer as a result. If you have sleep apnea and notice changes in your dental health, be sure to consult with us right away to prevent further issues. Our dentist here at Robert H. Peterson DDS will also help to diagnose the condition and assist you in finding treatment. Who Is At Risk Of Developing Sleep Apnea?People who are overweight, smokers, or have other respiratory health issues like asthma are at an increased risk for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea may also be more common in adults over 40, particularly men. Being overly tired during waking hours is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Many people who have it say they feel constantly exhausted for no particular reason. Patients with severe sleep apnea can also experience chronic neck pain due to excess strain on their spines and headaches that occur at night or during periods of sleep-wake cycles when muscle movements occur. How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Teeth and Gums?Patients with sleep apnea have an increased risk of oral health problems such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and tooth loss. And unfortunately, some people with sleep apnea are unaware that their night-time breathing issues may be linked to dental problems. Your teeth tend to become more susceptible to disease when you do not get enough oxygen during your sleep hours due to obstructive sleep apnea. When you inhale oxygen at lower levels, your body will respond by trying to compensate for low oxygen levels, resulting in inflammation throughout your body, including your teeth and gums. Always remember that oxygen is good for the proper functioning of the body. Is There Any Other Way Sleep Apnea Is Linked to Your Health?People with sleep apnea stop breathing for periods of 10 seconds or longer, sometimes over a hundred times each night. This can lead to more serious conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and even heart disease, which is also connected to dental health. Many individuals with this condition can experience tooth cavities, gum infection, and decay if the condition is not taken care of early on. This is because sleep apnea results in teeth grinding, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues and many other problems. What Are the Treatment Options Available?If you are worried about developing gum infections, cavities, and decay it is essential to seek sleep apnea treatments from our dentist. Mouthguards and night guards are what are mainly used to enhance breathing and prevent teeth grinding. However, you can always talk with us if your mouthguards are not working for you as you expected. We may then discuss with you and consider other treatments like CPAP machines. We welcome you to discuss your sleep apnea issues with us at Robert H. Peterson DDS. To book an appointment contact us today at 503-635-3438. |
 Phone503-635-3438 Location16600 Boones Ferry Rd. Suite 103 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 HoursMon - Wed: 7:00am - 3:00pm Thurs: 7:00am-1:00pm Available for emergencies |
