Do you or a loved one snore? Do you wake up in the morning with headaches or soreness? Do you frequently wake up in the middle of the night? It may be time to start thinking about whether you need to be screened for sleep disordered breathing.
Of the up to 30 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea (a form of sleep disordered breathing), only 6 million have been diagnosed. This condition doesn’t just impact your sleep—it can also affect your oral and overall health. March is Sleep Apnea Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn about the signs, risks, and treatment options available to improve your well-being. As your local complete health dentist in Worthington, OH, Dr. Barb McClatchie and her team are dedicated to helping you achieve not only a healthier mouth, but a better night’s sleep. With extensive training in sleep-disordered breathing, they can identify signs and symptoms by examining your mouth, evaluating sleep study results, performing head and neck exams, and exploring treatment options beyond the use of a CPAP—provided you do not have "severe" sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for several seconds and occur multiple times per hour, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and body. Symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime fatigue, loud snoring, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and frequent nighttime awakenings. Many people are unaware they have the condition, making regular screenings essential.
Sleep Apnea and Oral Health
Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several oral health issues, including:
Dry Mouth: Sleeping with an open mouth reduces saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Many sleep apnea sufferers unknowingly clench or grind their teeth, leading to worn or cracked teeth.
Periodontal Disease: Inflammation caused by bacteria buildup is linked to both gum disease and systemic conditions like heart disease.
The structure of your mouth and jaw can also play a significant role in sleep health. Conditions like tongue tie, a narrow dental arch, or a retrusive lower jaw can contribute to airway restriction, making it harder to breathe properly during sleep. At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we assess these factors during your sleep apnea evaluation, ensuring that treatment addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but certain factors increase the risk, including:
Age: The likelihood increases with age. However, it is also common in children.
Gender: Men are more commonly affected than women.
Genetics: A family history of sleep apnea may predispose you to the condition.
Heart Conditions: Cardiovascular issues can exacerbate airway obstruction.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and airway relaxation.
Weight: Excess tissue in the neck can block airflow, making obesity one of the most significant risk factors. However, it is also common in those who aren’t overweight, which can often lead to a lack of diagnosis.
Get Screened for Sleep Apnea in Central Ohio
At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we take a proactive approach to your health by integrating dental and medical care. We offer at-home sleep screenings and personalized treatment plans to address the underlying causes of sleep apnea. Our holistic approach ensures that you receive care tailored to your needs, improving both your sleep quality and overall health.
Take control of your sleep health today—contact us at (614) 885-3602 to schedule your screening!
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