{"id":77,"date":"2022-10-26T11:42:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T11:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abqsleeptmj.com\/blog\/?p=77"},"modified":"2022-10-26T11:43:02","modified_gmt":"2022-10-26T11:43:02","slug":"why-sleep-apnea-increases-the-risk-of-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centersleeptmj.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/26\/why-sleep-apnea-increases-the-risk-of-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Sleep Apnea Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s well known that people who suffer from sleep apnea not only have to deal with feeling tired all the time, but the disorder is also closely associated with an increased risk of serious problems like cardiovascular issues, diabetes complications, and dementia. Now, according to a study recently published in Sleep<\/em><\/a>, the official scientific journal of the Sleep Research Society, gum disease can be added to that list. How are these two conditions connected, and what should someone with sleep apnea do in order to protect their oral health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Sleep Apnea & Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the roots of the teeth as well as the supportive soft tissue and bone that keeps them stable. Our mouths are filled with bacteria, both good and bad, and routine oral hygiene along with dental visits make sure that the balance stays in our favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if a person has sleep apnea, then they most likely breathe through their mouth while they sleep. This causes it to dry out and reduces the production of saliva, which naturally protects us from an excess of harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this in mind, the connection is easy to see. A person who consistently breathes through their mouth for five to eight hours each night is giving the bacteria responsible for gum disease a chance to grow and multiply. This can be further compounded because sleep deprivation can make a person less likely to brush and floss and also lead them to eat more sugary, processed foods, two other factors that stimulate gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Symptoms of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It surprises most people to learn that gum disease is actually the most common dental problem in the world, and about 50% of the U.S. adult population has at least a mild form of it. The symptoms are almost unnoticeable at first, but they can become very serious without treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n