logo

William Cummiskey, DDS, LLC
Please Call: (860) 749-0533
421 Hazard Avenue Enfield, CT 06082

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. William Cummiskey
    • About the Staff
    • Affordable Dentist
    • Financial Policies
    • What Can I Expect On My First Visit?
    • Contact Us
    • Request an Appointment
    • Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Beautiful Smile Guarantee
  • Smile Gallery
  • Other Services
    • CEREC Crowns
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist
    • Dental Implants
    • Affordable Dental Implants

Can my gum disease really be caused by sleep apnea?

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Annmarie Worthington.

I have a question. I have sleep apnea and have known about it for some time, and have also struggled to keep my gums healthy, but when I recently saw my hygienist, she told me my sleep apnea is the reason I have gum disease. She said there is a correlation between the two. My dentist “conveniently” offers treatment at his office and I kind of feel that they are just telling me that my sleep apnea is the root of my gum problems so they can sell me a sleep apnea device. I really do take care of my mouth, and I floss and brush all the time. How seriously should I consider the hygienist’s comments?

Thanks,
Donna, Tucson, AZ

Donna,

It’s good to do your homework and get answers when it comes to decisions about your health. In this case, your hygienist’s comments were sound. There is a correlation between periodontal (gum) disease and sleep apnea. According to some studies, somewhere between one-half to two-thirds of people who have sleep apnea also struggle with periodontal disease.

What happens is that people with sleep apnea typically breathe through their mouth. This causes saliva to dry so bacteria grows more abundantly. The gums are also affected by the decrease in moisture. These lead to an upset of balance in the mouth and create a perfect scenario for periodontal disease to begin. Even with great brushing and flossing habits, it’s difficult to keep your gums healthy when you are continually breathing through your mouth. Those with allergies who have to breathe through their mouths because of congestion often have similar problems.

There are specially designed mouthwashes and toothpastes for dry mouth and they will help to retain moisture in your mouth, but that’s kind of a band-aid for the underlying problem. Not only can sleep apnea affect your mouth, but your overall health. It can affect your memory and thinking, can cause a sense of never-ending fatigue and affect your overall sense of well-being, but left unchecked can lead to other more serious health problems.

There are a few options for treating sleep apnea. Mild cases can be managed with a simple oral device, probably the one your hygienist suggested. If you have other concerns or questions, you can also ask your dentist for more information or consult with your general doctor.

You may be interested in learning more about an affordable dentist.

This post is sponsored by Enfield dentist Dr. William Cummiskey at Generations Dental Care.

Filed Under: Sleep apnea Tagged With: dry mouth, gum disease, mouth breather, mouth breathing, oral health, periodontal disease, sleep apnea, sleep apnea device, sleep apnea risks, sleep apnea treatment

Categories

  • Affordable dentist
  • Bad breath
  • CEREC crowns
  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Dental bridges
  • Dental emergency
  • Dental implants
  • Emergency Dentist
  • Fear of the dentist
  • General dentist
  • Invisalign
  • Lip piercing
  • mercury-free dentist
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Porcelain crowns
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Sedation dentistry
  • Sleep apnea
  • Teeth whitening
  • TMJ
  • Tooth bonding
  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth fillings
  • Tooth sensitivity and pain
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom teeth

Recent Posts

  • Luster Premium Teeth Whitening
  • Worried My Tooth Infection Will Spread to My Brain
  • Will My Bridge Keep Me From Getting Dental Implants
  • Is a Damaged Crown an Emergency Dentist?
  • Pain After White Fillings

Archives

  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
our-practice our-hours
contact icon
driving
contact
Generations Dental Care
421 Hazard Ave. Enfield, Ct. 06082
Phone: 860 749-0533
URL of Map

Read our Reviews

©2009-2022 Generations Dental Care • All Rights Reserved

Website Design and SEO by Infinity Dental Weblogo

  • Lumineers
  • Blog
  • Enfield Affordable Dental Implants
Privacy Policy
  • Smile
    Gallery
New Patient

Existing Patient