Could Sleep Apnea Be Making You Drool?

Albeit messy, when it comes to puppies and babies, a little drool can be kind of cute. But unfortunately, when adults do it during sleep, it’s suddenly not so endearing. Worse still, not only can it be embarrassing, but it can also be an indicator of a serious condition called sleep apnea. Here’s a closer look at why this disorder could cause you to drool at night, and how treating sleep apnea could help you stay drier when you’re not awake!

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder which causes you temporarily stop and restart breathing repeatedly throughout the night. The most common form of this condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, which is caused by blockage to the airway while you’re at rest. In addition to drooling and gasping for air, other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

· Morning headaches.

· Waking repeatedly throughout the night.

· Snoring, gasping, or choking while sleeping.

· Trouble focusing during the day.

· Daytime sleepiness.

Why Does Sleep Apnea Cause Drooling?

Because patients with sleep apnea snore and struggle to breathe, they may be more likely to mouth-breathe during the night, increasing the risk of saliva escaping the mouth as they breathe. Furthermore, if you’re a side or stomach sleeper, this can also increase your risk of drooling.

How Can My Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

If your nighttime drooling is the result of sleep apnea, staying dry at night is just one reason why treating this condition is so important. If not controlled, OSA can cause a variety of dangerous medical conditions including an increased risk of depression, cognitive impairment, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, low blood-oxygen, and even some forms of cancer. Unfortunately, many patients are automatically prescribed CPAP therapy to alleviate their OSA symptoms, but due to its awkward mask and uncomfortable forced air, many simply don’t comply completely or even at all.

The good news is that your dentist may have a better solution. Custom oral appliances are often more comfortable than CPAP therapy, making them more likely to be used and thereby more effective. Unlike using forced air like traditional treatment does, oral appliances position the airway open manually, meaning there’s no need for awkward machinery and uncomfortable forced air.

Better still, because oral appliances are custom fit to your individual mouth, they allow you maintain an ideal jaw position while you rest, reducing your risk of drooling during sleep.

Remember, while some drool during sleep is normal, if you’re also experiencing any of the dangerous symptoms of sleep apnea, speak to your dentist about treatment with oral appliance therapy today. You could soon be on your way to a drier, more satisfying night’s sleep!

About Dr. Held

Dr. Jonathan Held doesn’t just treat obstructive sleep apnea, he unfortunately suffers from the condition himself. Maybe that’s why for him, treating this dangerous condition is personal. A graduate of Augustana College and the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Dr. Held has devoted most of his 800-plus continuing education hours to studying sleep medicine, and is a proud, active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. To schedule an appointment at Sleep Better Southwest for sleep apnea treatment near Flagstaff, Kingman, Sedona or Prescott Valley, visit our website or call 928-404-0332.