As your local holistic dentist, Stanley St. Dental prides itself on looking beyond the mouth. Periodontal gum disease, bad breath, bruxism, or sleep apnea — these are all conditions that often have far-reaching health impacts.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at sleep apnea and how — despite being a sleep disorder — its origins may stem from poor oral health. Have you been snoring with gusto, gasping mid-sleep, or failing to feel refreshed following a full night of shut-eye? If you, your partner, or your caregiver are nodding yes, keep reading.
Bruxism: An Unhelpful Contributor
Before we grind further on this topic, let’s clarify something: ‘bruxism’ is the word dentists use to refer to teeth grinding. Although bruxism is often a sleep-related issue itself, it can also occur during the day — especially during periods or episodes of stress.
Research suggests that bruxism can trigger a chain of events that can loosen the throat muscles, swell the tongue, reduce the jawline, disrupt breathing, increase gasping, and intensify snoring — in other words, exacerbate sleep apnea. Here’s a closer look at how that can manifest.
Muscle Fatigue & Dysfunction
When you frequently grind or clench your teeth, you risk fatiguing the muscles in your jaw and neck. This fatigue can lead to flaccid throat muscles, which are more prone to collapse during sleep: a primary characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Anatomical Changes
Chronic bruxism can contribute to changes in the jaw’s alignment and structure. These changes, coupled with a naturally larger tongue or smaller jawline, can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep. (On a side tangent, if misalignment becomes an issue for you, you may be interested in our Invisalign® treatment.)
Sleep Disruption
The discomfort and pain associated with bruxism can lead to fragmented sleep. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle of disrupted sleep and worsening bruxism.
The Further Chain Reaction of Sleep Apnea
In the body, everything’s connected. If bruxism begins a chain of events that can worsen sleep apnea, it only follows that sleep apnea itself can cause a disastrous domino effect of its own. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have far-reaching impacts beyond being a sleep disorder. Here are some of its potential knock-off effects:
Heart Disease
Repeated episodes of low oxygen levels during sleep can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for developing high blood pressure. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea cause the body to release stress hormones, which raise blood pressure levels.
Diabetes
Sleep apnea affects the body’s insulin resistance, making it a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep can disrupt glucose metabolism, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
The Importance of Oral Health in Managing Sleep Apnea
Maintaining good oral health is a great way to manage sleep apnea, given the interconnected relationship. The first step is to schedule a dental check-up and clean every six months, which can help identify bruxism and give you some strategies to better manage it. If you get to it early enough, this may help you minimise the way bruxism affects sleep apnea. Here are some other strategies you can employ:
Using a Custom-Made Mouthguard
Wearing a custom-made mouthguard while you sleep actively separates your teeth, reducing the chances they will make contact during the night. It also assists with jaw alignment, which can open up the airways more and allow for better breathing.
Practising Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can reduce the risk of dental problems that might exacerbate sleep apnea. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Managing Stress
Stress is a common teeth-grinding trigger. Though they’re not oral health habits, practices like meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and the severity of bruxism.
Here’s What You Can Do
If you suspect you have bruxism or sleep apnea, you should get a professional opinion from a suitable sleep apnea dentist. At Stanley St. Dental, our dentists take all factors into account while assessing your oral health. While we do offer sleep dentistry, our services are no substitute for an actual sleep specialist. You should book an appointment with one for an official sleep apnea diagnosis.
Don’t Sleep on Your Symptoms
While bruxism and sleep apnea are complex conditions with multiple contributing factors, maintaining good oral health plays a role in managing both. By addressing bruxism early and seeking appropriate treatment for sleep apnea, you can reduce the risk of severe health complications and improve your overall well-being.
At Stanley St. Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral and overall health. If you have concerns about bruxism, sleep apnea, or any other dental issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our accepted health funds and partnerships ensure our patients can get the care they need without breaking the bank. After all, your health and well-being are our top priorities.