Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your breathing—it can also take a toll on your teeth, gums, and jaw health. At Orleans Dental Centre, we look beyond the symptoms of fatigue and snoring to help identify the silent ways sleep apnea may be impacting your oral health. With the right treatment, you can protect both your smile and your sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. This disrupts your rest and forces your body to work harder throughout the night—leading to fatigue, tension, and more.
Many people don’t realize that dentists can play a key role in recognizing and managing sleep apnea—especially when signs show up in the mouth.
Oral Health Symptoms Linked to Sleep Apnea
Here’s how untreated sleep apnea may affect your oral health:
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Sleep apnea often causes unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. This can lead to:
- Worn-down enamel
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Jaw pain and headaches
Explore how a custom nightguard can help protect your smile if grinding is an issue.
2. Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
People with OSA tend to breathe through their mouths at night, causing dry mouth, which increases the risk of:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Chronic bad breath
Hydration matters, too—check out our blog on hydrating for a healthier smile .
3. Inflamed or Receding Gums
Frequent nighttime clenching, dry mouth, and inflammation all increase the risk of gum disease. You may notice bleeding gums, sensitivity, or gum recession.
Learn more about your options in our guide on treatments for receding gums .
4. Jaw Joint Issues (TMD)
The strain of disrupted breathing and nighttime grinding can contribute to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), causing pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Discover how TMD impacts overall health and what to do about it.
How a Dentist Can Help
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea—or suspect you may have it—we can help with:
- Screening for oral symptoms
- Coordination with your sleep physician
- Fitting a custom oral appliance to gently reposition your jaw and keep your airway open
Explore what to expect from your sleep apnea oral appliance and how it can improve your sleep and oral health.
Sleep Well. Smile Better.
Sleep apnea affects more than just your rest—it affects your smile, comfort, and quality of life. At Orleans Dental Centre, we’ll help you take control of your health from both a dental and whole-body perspective.Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if oral appliance therapy could be right for you.