In our most recent blog, our team took a look at the way chronic teeth grinding – also known as bruxism – can lead to a number of major complications. Among these include immediate damage to the teeth through wearing down their surfaces, a higher risk of breaking and chipping, and a higher risk of infection. What’s more? Chronic bruxism can lead to a dangerous jaw dysfunction known as TMJ disorder. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist takes a look at a different nontraditional oral health concern known as sleep apnea and how it affects your overall health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
As you may already be aware, there are several factors out there that can negatively influence your oral health. Some are quite obvious, such as developing cavities as a result of consuming too much sugar or developing decay due to an insufficient preventive dental routine. What you may not be aware of, however, is that your concerns extend much further than bacterial issues.
You see, nontraditional oral health concerns are considered as such due to their potential for bigger issues. For example, bruxism can lead to TMJ disorder, and sleep apnea can lead to total-body concerns. But what exactly are you to be on the lookout for, and how can treatment assist?
To understand treatment, you must first understand the concern. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax, thus causing the airway to become restricted. As this occurs, the oxygen that is able to make its way past reverberates off of your muscles, causing the rumbling sound you have grown to know as snoring. Contact our team to learn more about this issue today.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Individuals that experience sleep apnea may present a host of signs or symptoms. These can include daytime irritability, fatigue, hypersomnia, nighttime insomnia, difficulty focusing, and much more. In addition to the daytime side effects, a person with sleep apnea will experience periods of stopped breathing. This occurs when insufficient amounts of oxygen reach the brain and other vital organs, and the brain sends signals to briefly rouse you to correct the issue. For more information about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
A Total-Body Concern
While you may be led to believe that sleep apnea only affects people in the ways mentioned above, think again. In fact, the long-term effects of this sleep disorder can contribute to total-body issues such as cardiovascular problems, issues with medications and surgeries, and liver issues. Fortunately, a sleep apnea appliance can help.
Schedule your Visit Today
Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to learn more about your sleep apnea treatment options and schedule your next appointment with our team today.