Many individuals are unaware that oral health can affect other systemic conditions, such as sleep apnea (2024)

FAQs

Does sleep apnea affect oral health? ›

Sleep apnea often causes sufferers to sleep with their mouth open, which can cause dry mouth. This can lead to increased plaque, more cavities and tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores caused by infections.

Most cases are dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal diseases, tooth loss and oral cancers. Other oral conditions of public health importance are orofacial clefts, noma (severe gangrenous disease starting in the mouth mostly affecting children) and oro-dental trauma.

Poor oral health can lead to pain and discomfort, sleepless nights, loss of function and self-esteem, and in turn disrupt family life. It can also lead to time off work. Experiencing tooth decay or having missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can lead to an individual becoming socially isolated.

Significant associations between oral health status and a number of systemic diseases have been established, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and several cancers.

There are several intraoral signs and symptoms associated with OSA that can be detected by dental professionals during routine clinical encounters (Intraoral signs include redness of the soft palate and uvula area, narrow palate, enlarged tongue and torus mandibularis [>2 cm on both sides of lower mandible] and ...

An oral appliance will usually improve your sleep apnea, but may not completely control it. If you have moderate or severe OSA, CPAP is more likely to work to correct your sleep apnea than an oral appliance. However, an oral appliance may be a better option than no treatment at all if you cannot tolerate CPAP.

Gum disease is linked to an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in the blood, Dioguardi said. Chronic inflammation in the body can, in turn, lead to chronic neuroinflammation in the brain, which induces neurodegeneration and plays a key role in Alzheimer's.

Oral diseases, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers, affect almost half of the global population—untreated dental decay is the most common health condition worldwide.

Oral disease can affect every aspect of your life, including personal relationships and self-confidence. It can lead to pain, anxiety, disfigurement and acute/chronic infections. It can also disrupt your sleep and affect how or what you eat — all of which can impact your overall quality of life.

What are the factors affecting oral health? ›

1. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, has been a risk factors for oral health. Research suggests that the bacteria present in gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to the development of cardiovascular problems.

Plaque buildup and loss of teeth are just the beginning for people that don't practice good oral health. You can also experience mouth sores, gingivitis, and halitosis. Periodontal disease is also a distinct possibility if you don't take care of your teeth and gums.

Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause. Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

The Mayo Clinic found that "heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause." Periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, is associated with an increased risk of developing a heart condition.

Sleep apnea also encourages bacteria growth in a person's mouth during sleep, which causes plaque to reside on the teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis — a mild form of gum disease — or in more severe cases, periodontal disease, where teeth can become loose.

Dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnea. However, they are often some of the first people who can spot symptoms or let you know if you have an increased risk of developing the condition since your jaws and related structures can contribute to OSA.

CPAP users in Miami must be aware that dry mouth and tooth decay can occur due to improper use. Continuous air pressure may cause dry mouth, leading to dental issues such as tooth decay. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and your doctor's guidance can help prevent these issues.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the most common oral appliance for treating OSA. They're also called mandibular advancement splints, mandibular advancement appliances or mandibular repositioning appliances. MADs work by pulling your lower jaw (mandible) forward.