Sleep apnea is far more than just a snoring problem. This sleep disorder, characterized by repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night, can have profound effects on both your overall health and your oral wellness. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash’s expertise as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (D.ABDSM) uniquely positions her to recognize the oral signs of sleep apnea and provide effective treatment options.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing your airway to narrow or close completely as you breathe in. When your brain senses the inability to breathe, it briefly rouses you from sleep to reopen your airway. These interruptions, which can happen from a few to hundreds of times each night, prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep your body needs.
Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. What may seem like ordinary snoring or feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep could be indicators of a serious health condition requiring attention.
Cardiovascular Implications
Perhaps the most concerning health impacts of untreated sleep apnea are those affecting your heart and blood vessels. The sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea episodes increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Higher chance of stroke
- Development of heart failure
- Worsening of coronary artery disease
These risks make the identification and treatment of sleep apnea a potentially life-saving intervention.
Metabolic Health Concerns
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your heart—it impacts your body’s metabolic functions as well. Research has established clear connections between untreated sleep apnea and:
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Liver problems, including fatty liver disease
- Metabolic syndrome
The relationship between sleep apnea and these metabolic issues appears to be bidirectional—each condition can worsen the other, creating a challenging cycle that requires intervention on multiple fronts.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
The constant sleep interruptions characteristic of sleep apnea don’t just leave you feeling tired—they can significantly impact your brain function and mental health. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with:
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood changes
- Reduced cognitive performance
- Increased risk of dementia in older adults
For many patients, addressing their sleep apnea results in noticeable improvements in mood, focus, and overall mental clarity.
Daytime Fatigue and Safety Concerns
The persistent sleep fragmentation caused by sleep apnea often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, which can have serious consequences:
- Reduced productivity at work or school
- Increased risk of workplace accidents
- Higher likelihood of motor vehicle accidents
- Decreased quality of life
- Relationship difficulties due to fatigue and irritability
For many patients, this chronic fatigue is the symptom that finally prompts them to seek treatment after years of undiagnosed sleep apnea.
The Oral Health Connection
While the systemic health impacts of sleep apnea are well-documented, many people don’t realize that this sleep disorder can also leave telltale signs in your mouth. As a dental sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Sharbash is trained to recognize these oral manifestations:
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Many sleep apnea patients unconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep. This may be the body’s natural response to reopen the airway during an apnea episode. Over time, bruxism can lead to:
- Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Headaches upon waking
Dry Mouth and Related Issues
Sleep apnea often leads to mouth breathing, which can cause chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). This reduction in saliva flow is more than just uncomfortable—it creates an environment where oral health problems flourish:
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Greater susceptibility to gum disease
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Oral tissue irritation
- Difficulty wearing dentures comfortably
Structural Oral Signs
The structural characteristics of your mouth and throat can both contribute to sleep apnea and provide visual clues to its presence:
- A small jaw or recessed chin
- Large tongue with scalloped edges (from pressing against teeth)
- Narrow arch form and crowded teeth
- Elongated soft palate or enlarged tonsils
- Restricted airway visible during oral examination
The Treatment Connection
The good news is that effective treatment for sleep apnea can address both the systemic and oral health issues associated with this condition. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Sharbash offers custom oral appliance therapy as an effective alternative to CPAP for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
These comfortable, custom-fitted devices work by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep, which helps maintain an open airway. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines, leading to better treatment compliance and outcomes.
When to Seek Evaluation
Consider scheduling a sleep apnea evaluation if you experience:
- Loud snoring, especially with gasping or choking sounds
- Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep time
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Unexplained mood changes or irritability
- Signs of teeth grinding or TMJ pain
Your Next Step
Don’t let untreated sleep apnea compromise your health and quality of life. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash’s specialized training in dental sleep medicine allows her to screen for sleep apnea, collaborate with sleep physicians, and provide effective oral appliance therapy when appropriate.
Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. By addressing your sleep apnea, you’ll not only protect your overall health but also preserve your beautiful smile for years to come.
