Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are three types of sleep apnea, they include central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and the combined type. One common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. This is because air cannot move with ease through the nose and throat; this is especially when you have obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, the surrounding tissues vibrate, creating a snoring sound. Apart from snoring, there are other symptoms of sleep apnea you should never ignore.
Mouth Breathing
When you have sleep apnea, you will mostly breathe through the mouth. By breathing through the mouth, you make it dry and it could lead to dental conditions like tooth decay. Some of the conditions caused by dry mouth include periodontal disease, gum inflammation, plaque formation, and mouth sores. Research shows that about 62% of people with sleep apnea have periodontal disease. Besides, 34% of people with sleep apnea have gingivitis.
Bruxism
This is another symptom of sleep apnea. Bruxism refers to clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. Even though grinding can happen at any time, it mostly occurs at night when one is asleep. Sleep apnea has been linked with bruxism, as one tends to clench their teeth and breath through the mouth. This condition can cause severe consequences on your sleep and teeth. Some of the common effects include waking up with jaw and neck pain. You could also experience headaches and fatigue. According to research, bruxism affects about 31% of adults, with at least 26% of them having sleep apnea.
Fatigue and Daytime Drowsiness
Sleep apnea affects the quality of sleep; you won't get enough of it. As a result, your body will not have enough rest, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness. Contact our offices for more information on the symptoms of sleep apnea.
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