Sleep apnea affects millions of people, but many don’t realize how closely it connects to their oral health. This sleep disorder causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night. 

When seeking treatment for sleep apnea in Sisters, OR understanding the link between this condition and your teeth and gums becomes essential for your overall wellness.

Call Sisters Dental today at 541-275-5276 to schedule your consultation.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea happens when your airway becomes blocked while you sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where throat muscles relax too much and block airflow. This creates a cycle where you briefly wake up, gasp for air, then fall back asleep. Most people don’t even remember these episodes happening.

These are some other common symptoms:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Feeling tired even after a full night’s rest
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Dry mouth when you wake up

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Mouth

Your mouth takes a beating when sleep apnea disrupts your rest. The repeated breathing interruptions create several problems for your oral health that might surprise you.

Dry Mouth Problems – Sleep apnea forces you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. This constant mouth breathing dries out your saliva, which normally helps protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. Without enough saliva, your risk for cavities and gum disease goes up significantly.

Teeth Grinding – Many people with sleep apnea also grind their teeth at night. This grinding, called bruxism, wears down tooth enamel and can cause jaw pain. The constant pressure can even crack or chip teeth over time.

Gum Disease Risk – Poor sleep quality weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections in your gums. People with sleep apnea often develop gum disease more easily than those who sleep well.

Your Dentist’s Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment

Dentists play an important part in spotting and treating sleep apnea in Sisters. During regular checkups, your dental team looks for signs that might point to this sleep disorder.

What we look for:

  • Worn-down teeth from grinding
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Dry mouth symptoms
  • Small jaw or large tongue
  • Scalloped edges on your tongue

Treatment Options for You

Your dentist can offer effective treatments to help manage sleep apnea and protect your oral health at the same time.

Custom oral appliances gently move your jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep. They’re comfortable, quiet, and much easier to travel with than bulky machines.

Many patients find oral appliances more convenient than other treatment options because they’re small, portable, and don’t require electricity or special cleaning equipment.

Taking the Next Step

Don’t let sleep apnea continue to harm your health and your smile. The connection between quality sleep and oral health is too important to ignore.

Professional treatment for sleep apnea in Sisters can improve both your rest and your mouth’s condition, leading to better days and healthier nights ahead.

Contact Sisters Dental today and discover how we can help you achieve better sleep and optimal oral health.

Call us today at 541-275-5276 to make an appointment in Sisters, OR. You can also ​​schedule online.