When the upper airway blocks multiple times during sleep, it can make it difficult to breathe during sleep which makes it difficult to sleep. The gas exchange gets impaired, and the person’s normal sleep cycle gets affected, too. In Whitby, Ontario you can find many dental offices where your oral health issues can be treated.
The repercussions of sleep apnea involve affecting oral health as well. Even though the main symptoms are related to problems with the respiratory system, they can potentially lead to oral health issues, too. Thus, you must address such issues early in time to ensure that your child has healthy development and does not get obstructed by any means.
Sleep apnea increases the chances of developing gum diseases or tooth decay. It happens because the person starts to breathe from their mouth during their sleep because of nasal congestion. This increases the chances of dry mouth. Dry mouth further increases the chances of gum diseases, cavities, etc.
Thus, make sure you address sleep apnea as soon as you start to notice the symptoms. Do not let the condition further escalate and take some severe form. Visit a dental practice in Whitby, Ontario to address such issues and get prompt treatment done.
What leads to oral health issues in children with OSA?
There are various factors that link Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and oral health; let us look at some of those factors:
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Oral structures and facial structures:
Children who have OSA have been seen to have malocclusion or develop craniofacial abnormalities. Malocclusion can be understood as misalignment in teeth. Jae is involved too, which results in irregularities in the growth of the jaw. As far as craniofacial abnormalities are concerned, they are associated with differences in facial bones.
Thus, such conditions make children more susceptible to breathing from their mouths. When the upper airway gets blocked, it increases the chances of having a dry mouth. When someone starts breathing from their mouth, it increases the chances of dryness in the oral tissues.
Saliva production and flow get interrupted. Sincere oral defense mechanisms are compromised in such a condition, and the chances of developing periodontal diseases and other oral health issues increase.
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Intermittent hypoxia
Another thing that can lead to oral health issues is when the sleep gets interrupted due to improper breathing. The level of oxygen also becomes low, and the inflammatory substances start to produce more. The substances are called chemokines.
Such substances exacerbate inflammation in a person’s mouth. Inflammation, in turn, is connected to gum diseases and oral health issues. Since breathing gets disrupted multiple times, oral health complications can become more common.
Why should you understand OSA in pediatric patients?
It is essential that you understand the relationship between OSA and sleep disorders. There is evidence-based research that suggests the link between OSA and oral health issues. In order to have more clarity, there is a need to investigate further how children with sleep apnea differ in terms of their oral health.
Medical practitioners and dentists can collaborate, which can result in improved healthcare for everyone. Knowing how sleep apnea and oral health are connected is not only going to help in managing immediate concerns. Still, it will also help understand how oral health and systemic health are associated.
It is essential you take your child for proper treatment if they develop any oral health issues. The well-being of children should be a priority without question. For a particular population, having comprehensive studies can give more insight and help understand these conditions better.
Treat OSA better and reduce oral health issues!
Ora health issues can only be encountered by addressing sleep apnea first. Sleep apnea can increase the chances of many different conditions. Thus, make sure you are able to address this on time and do not delay the treatment.
Oral health issues such as gum diseases need to be promptly addressed too. It can also increase the chances of developing sleep apnea.
