Sleep Apnea Increases Risk of Gum Disease and Diabetes

December 2, 2015

Sleep apnea is a condition that many people have but are unaware of. Most people who have it, incorrectly assume that the symptoms they are experiencing are those that come with old age. While it is true the body does become more susceptible to ailments as it ages, sleep apnea can occur at any age. Sleep apnea can also affect a person’s ability to manage their blood sugar, because many sleep apnea symptoms increase the body’s stress and fight or flight responses, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

The Link Between Gum Disease, Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Having gum disease makes it much harder to maintain good blood sugar control. Individuals who have diabetes are more likely to experience gum disease more often than those who do not. They are also more likely to experience damaged and missing teeth. People who have diabetes may suffer from sleep apnea. To prevent gum disease, diabetes and sleep apnea from wreaking havoc on your health, you need to first develop good blood sugar control. Then you need to see a general dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA for gum disease and sleep apnea treatment.

Sleep apnea is a condition that is characterized by its symptoms. They include:

• Sleeplessness
• Irritability
• Snoring
• Neck Pain
• Loss of breath while sleeping
• TMJ

By receiving treatment for sleep apnea, one can reduce their risk for diabetes. Patients who already have diabetes may gain better control over their blood sugar levels after receiving sleep apnea treatment.

How Diabetes Causes Gum Disease to Progress

Diabetes causes changes to the vascular system, such as causing the blood vessels to thicken, leading to a reduction in the amount of blood, oxygen and nutrients that the teeth and gums receive. It also reduces the body’s capacity to remove waste, making it harder for the gum and bone tissue in your mouth to resist disease.

If you suffer from sleep apnea or gum disease and are concerned about how they are affecting your teeth, gums and health, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacqueline A. Subka, DDS, at (805) 433-9575.

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