Disordered breathing is typically most pronounced during sleep, often making cases of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) go unnoticed and undiagnosed. Sleep-related breathing disorders are conditions of abnormal or difficult respiration during sleep. There are several types of sleep-related breathing disorders, ranging in severity.
An extremely common early warning sign of sleep apnea or sleep-related disordered breathing is snoring. While snoring is common, it is not normal. The person doing the snoring is typically unaware of the occurrence, it can keep your partner awake, and can also represent a more serious health risk.
Some Other Common Symptoms of Sleep-Related Disordered Breathing Are:
- Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
- Mouth Breathing
- Unusual Wear on the Biting Surfaces of Teeth
- Unexplained Broken Crowns or Fractured Teeth
- Headaches
- Stress
- Brain Fog
- Forward Head Posture
- Chronic Fatigue
- Face, Neck, Shoulder, or Joint Pain
- Waking Up at Night Gasping for Air
- Dry Mouth/Lips Upon Waking Up
- Difficulty Concentrating
When left untreated, disordered breathing can cause or aggravate a long list of potential symptoms and more serious health conditions. Disordered breathing often worsens over time and can become life-threatening when left untreated.
Common Health Issues Associated with Disordered Breathing Are:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD)
- Memory Problems
- Depression
- Gum Disease
- Upper Respiratory Infections
- Chronic Sinus Infections
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic Pain
- Cardiovascular Disease
Dentists play an essential role in the care of patients with sleep related breathing disorders and are well positioned to identify patients who are at greater risk. Airway-focused dentists address the root cause of disordered breathing and provide solutions to treat the disorder at the source.