Posted on 6/20/2022 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that causes patients to stop breathing then start again. There are different types of sleep apnea; obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and the combined type. You are likely to notice a person with sleep apnea when they snore. Snoring is a common symptom because air cannot circulate easily through the throat and nose. This is a common sign, especially among patients with obstructive sleep apnea. For that reason, the tissues surrounding the area start vibrating, creating a loud snoring sound. There are several other sleep apnea symptoms apart from snoring. They include:
Breathing through the Mouth
Patients with sleep apnea tend to breathe through the mouth. When a person breaths through the mouth, you make it less hydrated. This is risky because it increases the chances of oral conditions like tooth decay. A dry mouth is a severe condition that could trigger other issues like gum inflammation, periodontal disease, mouth sores, and plaque formation. Sleep apnea has been linked with periodontal disease, with about 62% of those with apnea having periodontal disease. This means you should come in for treatment immediately.
Bruxism
Another common symptom of sleep apnea is bruxism. Bruxism is an oral condition where you grind your teeth or clench the jaw. While teeth grinding can happen at any time, it tends to happen at night on many occasions. This happens when you are asleep. Sleep apnea has been linked with this condition for many reasons. For instance, when you clench your teeth, you start breathing through the mouth. This causes significant damage to your mouth. Therefore, you should find a way of regulating this condition lest it affects your oral health. Call us today for more information on the symptoms of sleep apnea.