Did you know sleep apnea can cause dental problems adding to health issues? Saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay. It washes away food debris, neutralizes destructive acids caused by bacteria and helps keep the soft and hard tissues of the mouth in good condition.

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea that causes dry mouth leading to oral bacterial infections or other dental issues.

Bruxism (aka grinding teeth) diminishes not only your quality of sleep but harms the enamel making your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay. It can also lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) which causes migraines, oral numbness or pain, or pinched nerves. Add in any missing teeth and grinding can increase bringing frequent loss of sleep.

How does your dentist choose the right mouthpiece for your sleep apnea?

Reviewed by Dr. Joseph Salim, DMD (written by the Sutton Place Dental Associates editor)

Anxiety, depression, and exhaustion are logical reasons behind lack of sleep and restless nights. The more uncommon explanations come from other ailments plaguing the normal daily functionalities of the human body.

Gasping for air when either asleep or awake. It's not a good sign for your health. One reason people gasp for air can be sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is directly related to so many other health issues, including depression, oral health and anxiety.

Although continuous positive airway (CPAP) pressure therapy is the most recommended treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not all patients are able to remain compliant with this form of treatment. Some complain of claustrophobia, dry nasal passages, skin irritation from masks, difficulty tolerating pressurized air, and accidentally removing the mask while tossing at night.

For patients like these, an alternative to CPAP therapy may be recommended, and depending on the level of severity of their disorder, may benefit from a substitute treatment such as an oral dental appliance.