28 Feb Sleep Apnea and Oral Health: Why You Should See a Dentist
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, it could be affecting more than your ability to get a good night’s rest. Sleep apnea can also affect your dental health, by causing dry mouth, cavities, and gingivitis. Using a CPAP machine can also cause dry mouth and tooth decay. But don’t worry—our dentists are here to help! Let’s take a look at the symptoms of sleep apnea, its side effects, and how to combat dry mouth and the problems it causes.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Since sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose, and unfortunately, many people go a long time without treatment. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Teeth grinding (sleep bruxism)
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty pay attention or focusing on a task
- Dry mouth
- Excessive or chronic fatigue
- Waking up during the night gasping for air or choking
- Loud snoring
- High blood pressure
If these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis. Your dentist can also provide care for side effects like dry mouth and teeth grinding.
CPAP Machines Can Cause Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay
Although CPAP machines can help with sleep apnea, they often cause dental problems. For example, dry mouth is a common side effect. This can happen if you tend to breathe through your mouth while using the machine, especially if the mask doesn’t fit snugly enough around your nose.
Another cause of dry mouth could be nasal congestion, which would force you to breathe through your mouth even if you’re using a nasal mask. A nasal decongestant or spray can be helpful in this case.
Tooth decay is another common side effect of sleep apnea. Plaque builds up far more quickly in a dry mouth, so if you have sleep apnea you have a much higher risk of developing cavities.
Dry mouth is also a risk factor for gum disease. The acid attacks from plaque buildup irritate and inflame the gums, causing gingivitis. If it is not treated in its early stages, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease, the number one cause of tooth loss.
A Dentist’s Advice for Patients with Sleep Apnea
Here’s how you can protect your teeth when you have sleep apnea:
- Use an oral appliance like a mandibular advancement device if you can’t get comfortable wearing a CPAP machine.
- Adopt the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor such as reducing weight, avoiding alcohol, sedatives, and cigarettes, or sleeping on your side instead of on your back.
- Choose a CPAP with a built-in humidifier, or place a humidifier next to your bed. Also, make sure your equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained.
- Add mouthwash to your nightly oral care routine. There are options designed for people who struggle with a dry mouth while sleeping, such as TheraBreath.
- Keep up with your regular dental appointments and professional cleanings.
Treatment for Dry Mouth in Sun Lakes, AZ
Your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings are essential for good oral health. Your dentist may even be able to recognize symptoms of sleep apnea like worn enamel from bruxism or gingivitis from dry mouth. If you are experiencing sleep apnea, don’t delay your dental checkups—sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of cavities and tooth loss.
At Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates, we can help you protect your smile with preventive treatments for dry mouth and other sleep apnea symptoms. Call us at 480-895-2111 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license—commercial use (02.04.2025). Graphic done by MyUpChar from Wikimedia Commons.
