Sleep apnea and snoring are serious medical issues often left undiagnosed and untreated. If you feel like you are suffering from sleep apnea, an easy way to get a diagnosis is to make an appointment with your dentist. 90% of people are unaware that they have sleep apnea, but dentists can identify early signs of sleep disorders in patients and help treat the problem.

What is Sleep Apnea?

There are two categories of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Central sleep apnea (CSA). 

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the narrowing or closing of the airway. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that OSA occurs when your breathing is restricted for more than 10 seconds at least five times an hour. The lack of oxygen sends a signal to the brain, and jolts you awake, often with a snort or choke. 

Not everyone with OSA snores, however, so it is good to stay alert for any other common symptoms, which, according to the National Sleep Foundation, are: 

• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Night sweats
• An inability to focus
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Headaches
• The need to urinate frequently
• Sexual dysfunction

Your breathing is also affected when suffering from CSA. In this form of the condition, your brain stops sending signals to breathe, so your breathing stops for short bursts. This means sufferers may struggle to fall and stay asleep. A common symptom of CSA is waking up short of breath.

Health Complications Caused by Sleep Apnea

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause serious health issues, as sufferers often cannot achieve the REM cycles needed for muscle repair and memory health. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to health problems such as:

• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Mood-related issues, such as depression
• Unstable blood oxygen levels 

Who is at Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Several factors affect your risk of acquiring sleep apnea, but a stand-out statistic is that men are two to three times more likely to develop the condition than women. Other factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnea are: 

• Obesity
• A large neck circumference
• Mandibular Retrognathia or Micrognathia (conditions contributing to a receded lower jaw and undersized jaw, respectively)
• Age (sleep apnea is more common in older patients)
• Nasal congestion
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol
• A family history of the condition

How Can a Dentist Help My Sleep Apnea?

Your dentist can work alongside your doctor or sleep specialist to develop a treatment plan that will help alleviate your OSA or CSA symptoms in the long term. A dentist can diagnose initial sleep apnea through dental and physiological examinations. If your physician determines that the course of treatment includes an oral appliance, then your dentist will collaborate to ensure a thorough oral examination in preparation for your fitting.

Oral appliances are the standard treatment for OSA patients. Many oral appliances on the market, ranging from mouth guards to tongue-retaining devices, usually move the tongue, jaw, and soft palette out of the way to encourage an open airway. Your dentist can custom-fit the chosen device for you and will work with your doctor to find a comfortable solution that best suits your needs. 

We’re Here to Help

If you’re worried that you might have sleep apnea, or are unsure and want to be sure, then make an appointment with us at Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville, TN. Your oral health is our priority.

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Over 2 million Americans have Celiac Disease. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans could have the disease without being aware of it. Celiac Disease doesn’t just affect your digestive tract; it can cause health problems everywhere, from your heart to your mouth.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by a reaction to gluten, a protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person living with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, it causes a painful immune response in the small intestine. This response damages the villi (small finger-like projections on the lining of the small intestine), designed to absorb nutrients. Over time, the lack of nutrient absorption causes damage to the intestine and leads to serious health complications. 

If left untreated, possible health complications include (but are not limited to):

• Early onset osteoporosis
• Anemia
• Heart disease
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Malnutrition

According to research, the disease tends to be prevalent in Caucasian people and those whose ancestors came from Europe. Patients with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other autoimmune diseases are also more at risk.

Celiac Disease is genetic (it tends to run in families) and can present at any age, so if you display symptoms, it is vital to seek medical advice.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Celiac Disease vary significantly amongst patients. Common symptoms can include: 

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Gas
• Repeated stomach pain or bloating
• Muscle Cramps
• Missed menstrual cycles
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Joint pain

Children who have Celiac Disease tend to present symptoms more centered around the digestive process.

How Does Celiac Disease Affect My Teeth?

Celiac Disease can affect your oral health from a young age. Children aged seven years and younger may develop enamel defects as their teeth and enamel are still developing. Celiac disease can also cause a delay in the development of the teeth and mouth. The frequent development of canker sores is a common indication of Celiac Disease in adults and children. Patients can suffer from Dry mouth syndrome, which can result in tooth decay and atrophic glossitis, a condition noted for a smooth, shiny, red tongue. 

If left untreated, Celiac Disease can also lead to the development of pharyngeal, mouth, and esophageal cancers.

How can this be fixed?

Celiac Disease does not have a cure, but lifestyle changes allow most people to live symptom-free. Adopting a gluten-free diet is the only way to treat the disease, and it must be followed rigorously.

Where else is gluten found?

Patients adopting a gluten-free diet must know that gluten is found in many different foods, including soy sauce, salad dressings, condiments, french fries, grain-based alcohol, bouillon or soup mixes, imitation meat, and seafood. Additionally, gluten is also in certain medications. Because of the extensive list of non-gluten-free foods, your medical practitioner will likely advise you to consult a celiac disease specialist for assistance with a dietary plan. 

A thorough oral examination allows dentists to diagnose Celiac Disease and refer you to a physician. If you think that you or your child has  Celiac Disease, then make an appointment to come and see us at Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville, TN.

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