What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea’s Impacts on Oral Health
The dentist often spots the sign of sleep apnea first!
A child’s dentist is often the first one to diagnose sleep apnea. During a teeth cleaning, your dentist may spot inflamation of the throat and palate. The redness, swelling, and ulcerations are indications of an issue.
Sleep apnea patients often have bad breath. That’s due to the mouth breathing while sleeping. The flow of saliva is reduced when we breathe through our mouth. When the saliva isn’t rinsing out the bacteria particles in your mouth, you will suffer from bad breath. This salivia does even more than improve your breath; it protects your gums and teeth. Without this saliva flow, the bacteria can grow on teeth and a child could see increased cavities. Your gums can also become dry and begin to recede.
Someone who suffers from sleep apnea might also struggle with worn or broken teeth. This can happen when someone grinds their teeth and the action breaks down the protective layer of the teeth making them more vulnerable.
A child’s tongue can become scalloped when fighting sleep apnea. This happens when they press their tongue to the bottom of their mouth during sleep. Over time the sides of the tongue can appear wave like in shape.
Routine checkups with a dentist are important for your oral health. This is especially important for children as you want to help them build healthy routines and set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. Be sure to make dental appointments twice a year. Your child’s dentist is on your team and will help you spot any concerns.
Morristown Pediatric Dentistry provides dental services for children and adolescents in the Lakeway Area. We strive to provide a fun, caring, and child-friendly environment. We are here to help your children form healthy oral hygiene habits and help them take care of their teeth. We are conveniently located in the heart of Morristown at 950 West 1st North Street. To make an appointment with one of Morristown Pediatric Dentistry’s doctors, please call: 423-581-1877.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.