Ways Your Oral Surgeon Can Improve Your Oral Health When You Snore
Posted on 3/3/2025 by Djawdan Center |
 Do you wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache? Maybe your partner complains about your loud snoring. These could be signs of sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts your sleep and negatively impacts your oral health.
Many people don't realize that an oral surgeon can play a crucial role in managing sleep apnea and improving your oral health. Here's how:
Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Problem
Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in your throat relax and block your airway during sleep. This causes you to stop breathing for short periods, leading to snoring and other symptoms. Over time, sleep apnea can increase your risk of various health problems, including:
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Heart disease |
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Stroke |
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High blood pressure |
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Diabetes |
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Depression |
It can also negatively impact your oral health, leading to:
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Dry mouth |
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Gum disease |
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Tooth decay |
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders |
How an Oral Surgeon Can Help
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult a sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment. However, an oral surgeon can play a vital role in managing the condition and protecting your oral health. Here are some ways they can help:
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Identifying underlying causes: Your oral surgeon can examine your mouth and throat to identify any anatomical factors that may contribute to sleep apnea, such as a large tongue, narrow palate, or recessed jaw. |
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Oral appliance therapy: Oral surgeons are experts in fitting patients with custom-made oral appliances. These devices gently reposition your jaw and tongue during sleep, keeping your airway open and reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. |
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Surgical options: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address anatomical issues that contribute to sleep apnea. Oral surgeons perform various procedures, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or tongue base reduction, to improve airflow and reduce sleep apnea severity. |
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Restorative dentistry: Sleep apnea can worsen existing dental problems and increase the risk of new ones. Your oral surgeon can provide restorative dentistry services, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges, to restore damaged teeth and protect your oral health. |
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Collaboration with other healthcare professionals: Oral surgeons work closely with sleep specialists, pulmonologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing sleep apnea and protecting your overall health. |
Improving Your Oral Health When You Snore
In addition to addressing sleep apnea, your oral surgeon can offer other helpful advice and treatments to improve your oral health when you snore:
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Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is essential to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which can be exacerbated by snoring. |
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Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your mouth moist and can reduce snoring. |
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Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed: These substances can relax your throat muscles and worsen snoring. |
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Losing weight if you are overweight or obese: Even a small amount of weight loss can improve sleep apnea symptoms. |
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Using a humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help reduce snoring and dry mouth. |
By following these tips and working with your oral surgeon, you can improve your sleep quality, protect your oral health, and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life.
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