Sleep Apnea Therapy Can Protect Your Oral Health

Does your snoring keep your partner awake at night? Maybe you wake with a very dry mouth? Although they may not seem like anything more than a nuisance, snoring and mouth breathing can impact your oral health. Often, you can protect your smile and sleep soundly by making simple changes at home, such as using a decongestant. Unfortunately, if the problem persists, there may be a larger issue, like a sleep disorder. You may need sleep apnea therapy in North Raleigh to relief. You can save your smile and your health with the right treatment plan.

Complications of Snoring and Mouth Breathing

Snoring is a common problem that affects at least half of people at some point during their life, but 40% of men and 24% of women are habitual snorers. It occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or throat relax. As air passes through your mouth, it causes vibrations, which results in the sound you hear.

Snoring and mouth breathing often goes hand-in-hand. When the nasal passages are blocked, your only other option is to breathe through your mouth. This is common when you have a cold or allergies; however, sometimes there can be a larger cause, like a deviated septum or underdeveloped oral cavity.

No matter the reason behind your snoring and mouth breathing, they can wreak havoc on your oral health if they aren’t treated. They cause a decrease in your saliva flow, called xerostomia. Your saliva is needed to coat and moisten the oral cavities. It also cleanses the mouth by washing the tongue, gums, and cheeks of dead cells in between brushing. If the cells aren’t removed, they decompose in your mouth, leading to an odor.

Besides bad breath, if there isn’t enough saliva, it allows harmful bacteria to thrive. This increases your risk of infections, sores, tooth decay, gum disease, and burning mouth syndrome. Your saliva is also necessary to neutralize the acids in your mouth produced by plaque as well as food particles. This significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

To protect your smile, it’s imperative you maintain your oral hygiene routine, but you may also need additional treatment from your dentist in North Raleigh.

Treating Snoring and Mouth Breathing

Snoring and mouth breathing can point to a disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissues in your throat or back of your mouth collapse to block your airway. This makes you stop breathing frequently throughout the night. If it’s not treated, it can have devastating consequences for your quality of life and health, such as sleep deprivation. Now, it can be treated using an oral appliance instead of a CPAP machine. This custom-made device repositions your lower jaw forward to keep your airways open.

Sleep Better Tonight!

You don’t need to live with the complications of snoring. You can breathe better and sleep soundly with the help of your dentist. With the right plan, you can protect your smile while getting the rest you need.

About Dr. Philip A. Lisk

Dr. Philip A. Lisk is committed to helping his patients reach optimal wellness through a healthy smile. Besides general dentistry, he also offers specialty services, like sleep apnea therapy. As a member of various dental organizations, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. If you struggle with snoring or mouth breathing, he has the solutions you need. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.