Viva Vitality: Sleeping apnea and dental considerations
By Jenna Lannan on August 20, 2021.
Obstructed Sleep apnea accounts for more than 80 per cent of sleep-related breathing disorders. Sleep apnea is a health condition where, during sleeping, there are several interruptions to breathing. This usually lasts from 10-30 seconds but can last for up to a minute. Symptoms include: loud snoring, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty paying attention and irritability. Risk factors include: excess weight, gender, family history, alcohol use, smoking, narrowed airway or nasal congestion. Dentists can often be the first step in recognizing a breathing related sleep disorder. Lack of sleep can be linked to many health conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea prevents oxygen from entering the lungs and can cause the heart to not function properly. Other symptoms can include anxiety and depression. Children may experience asthma exacerbation, hyperactivity, bed-wetting, and academic performance problems. Dental problems associated with sleep apnea include jaw disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding). This means that sleep apnea patients are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity, worn down teeth and jaw pain. When a patient has sleep apnea, they are more likely to be a mouth breather and experience dry mouth. Saliva plays an important part in washing food off of teeth and protecting against cavities. Dentists will screen for any signs of wear on a person’s teeth. Dentists can refer to patients to a medical doctor or a sleep specialist to be tested for sleep apnea. Dentists can also look at how the teeth and jaw are sitting and fit patients for appliances to try to move the jaw forward, hold the tongue and maintain an open airway. Sleep is important, it plays a critical role in mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Talk to your doctor or dentist about sleep apnea and the best solution for your health. Jenna Lannan is a dental hygienist with Alberta Health Services 10-9
