Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Posted on 9/2/2024 by New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery |
 Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you're sleeping. These pauses in breathing can last for several seconds or even minutes, and they can occur hundreds of times in a single night.
If you have sleep apnea, you may not be getting the quality sleep you need, and you may experience daytime symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability. In addition, sleep apnea can increase your risk of other serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
While many people are aware of the negative effects of sleep apnea, many don't realize the dangers of not getting it treated. Untreated sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your oral health, leading to problems such as:
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Gum disease: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of gum disease, which is an infection of the gums that can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth. |
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Tooth decay: Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of tooth decay, as the dry mouth caused by mouth breathing can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. |
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Sleep apnea can worsen TMJ disorders, which are problems with the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. |
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Bruxism: Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of your teeth while you sleep. |
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Oral cancer: Some studies have shown that people with sleep apnea may be at an increased risk of oral cancer. |
In addition to these oral health problems, untreated sleep apnea can also lead to other health problems, such as:
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High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. |
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Heart disease: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, including irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and heart failure. |
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Stroke: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of stroke, which can cause paralysis, speech problems, and memory loss. |
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Diabetes: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of diabetes, a condition that can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. |
If you think you may have sleep apnea, it's important to see a doctor or dentist to get diagnosed and treated. Treatment for sleep apnea can include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, as well as using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or other devices to help you breathe while you sleep.
By getting sleep apnea treated, you can improve your oral health, reduce your risk of other serious health problems, and improve your overall quality of life.
Restoration Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea and are considering restoration dentistry, it's important to talk to your doctor or dentist. Some types of restoration dentistry, such as dentures or bridges, can make it more difficult to use a CPAP machine. Your doctor or dentist can help you choose the best type of restoration dentistry for your needs.
Getting sleep apnea treated is important for your overall health, including your oral health. If you think you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor or dentist today. |
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