The Surprising Link Between Sleep Apnea and Gum Disease

When most people think about sleep apnea, they picture loud snoring or feeling tired during the day. But did you know that this sleep disorder can also affect your oral health, specifically your gums? In fact, research shows that people with the condition are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Here’s what you should know about this strange connection, and why it’s so important to treat your sleep apnea and keep your gums healthy!  

How Sleep Apnea Affects the Bacteria Inside Your Mouth

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. These episodes, called apneas, can occur hundreds of times in a given night without the patient even realizing it. Needless to say, this leads to quite a bit of lost sleep night after night.

Furthermore, this often causes people to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, especially if they’re dealing with blocked airways. Mouth breathing may seem harmless, but it can dry out the mouth and reduce the amount of saliva that’s available to wash away harmful bacteria. Without enough saliva, the environment in your mouth changes, giving bad bacteria the chance to grow and thrive. These bacteria enjoy dry conditions and can lead to inflammation of the gums, bad breath, and eventually, gum disease.

Why Those with Sleep Apnea Are More at Risk of Gum Disease

Several studies have shown that people with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to have gum disease than those without it. Mouth breathing, dry mouth, and even nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism, another common issue in those with sleep apnea) all contribute to higher levels of oral bacteria and inflammation, which is what can quietly damage your gums night after night.

Remember, gum disease is a serious issue that can cause harm to more than just your gum tissue. If left untreated, it can progress to tooth loss—plus, it’s also been linked to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Both Sleep Apnea and Gum Disease Can Be Treated

If you have sleep apnea and notice symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, it’s important to schedule a dental visit. Early treatment may involve a deep cleaning, improved home care, or, in some cases, specialized therapy. It’s also helpful to talk to your dentist about your sleep apnea diagnosis; with that knowledge, they can better tailor your care to help you manage your dry mouth and reduce bacterial buildup.

Sleep apnea affects millions of people across the US; gum disease does, too, and there’s quite a bit of overlap! Learning how to manage both conditions is the key to preventing the long list of issues one (or both) conditions can trigger.

About the Practice

Our team here at Parkside Dental has served the needs of patients and families in Landrum and the surrounding communities for several years under the leadership of Dr. John Moneyhun. We offer a wide variety of services, including both sleep apnea treatment as well as gum disease solutions such as scaling and root planing. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’re ready to get a handle on your sleep apnea (or gum disease), please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (864) 800-1691.