Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep-related sleep disorder. People who have obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly in their sleep several times during the night.1
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tissue and muscles in the back of the throat collapse which blocks the airway. This happens from time to time throughout the night. Snoring and daytime sleepiness can be other signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
Teeth grinding that occurs at night is also know as bruxism. It is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity during sleep. This action causes the teeth to clench or grind together.
The Risk Factors in Teeth Grinding and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Bruxism has some risk factors to be aware of. Sleep apnea is included as a risk factor because the halts in breaths can cause the teeth to grind. This is the patient’s involuntary attempt to get more oxygen. If the teeth grinding is left untreated, it can cause morning headaches, jaw pain, and worn teeth.
Obstructive sleep apnea can cause microarousals which are brief brain awakenings that occur during sleep but do not cause the person to wake up. The breathing of patients with OSA stops for 10 seconds or more multiple times per hour in their sleep. This can cause the nervous system to activate, which contracts the muscles to help the patient breathe. The movement can reposition the tongue which allows the airway to open.
According to some sleep researchers, those who have obstructive sleep apnea may have more micro-arousals and may be more likely to grind their teeth.2
Though sleep apnea and teeth grinding can occur separately, there can be a connection between them.
Solutions to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding
Some of the solutions to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea are CPAP, and various surgeries. An oral appliance that is made by a qualified dentist in dental sleep medicine can address both the problems of teeth grinding and obstructive sleep apnea depending on what the patients needs.
If you are tired during the day and/or grind your teeth, call KC Sleep Health to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Dr Drake and his team will help to uncover the cause of the issues you are experiencing and get you on the right path for better sleep and restored health.
Sources
1 (2023 July, 14) Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090/
2 Edwards, Martinique. (2023, Sept. 28) Teeth Grinding and Sleep Apnea.SleepApnea.org. https://www.sleepapnea.org/sleep-health/teeth-grinding-and-sleep-apnea/