How Is Your Airway Affecting Your Oral Health

Introduction

In my previous blog, "Unlocking the Power of Airway Dentistry," we explored the foundational elements of airway health and its broad impact on overall wellness. Today, we’re diving deeper into how airway issues specifically affect oral health. From the crucial role of nitric oxide in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome to the connections between sleep apnea and common dental problems, we’ll unravel how airway restrictions can influence your mouth’s health. Additionally, I'll offer actionable advice on prevention and treatment to help you maintain optimal oral and systemic health.

Nitric Oxide Production and The Oral Microbiome

Nitric oxide (NO), a critical molecule for enhancing blood flow and immune response, also plays a vital role in maintaining oral health. Its production is intricately linked with the oral microbiome through a fascinating biological process. When we consume foods rich in nitrates, such as green leafy vegetables, these compounds are converted by beneficial bacteria in our mouth into nitrites. These nitrites are then transformed into nitric oxide when they reach the acidic environment of our stomach. This not only highlights the importance of a healthy oral microbiome but also underscores how our diet can directly influence oral health. The efficiency of nitric oxide production is further influenced by our breathing habits. Proper nasal breathing helps air pass over mucous membranes that actively release nitric oxide, enhancing its availability in our body. However, conditions that promote mouth breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea or chronic sinusitis, can significantly disrupt this natural process. This reduction in nitric oxide levels can negatively affect both oral and systemic health, emphasizing the need for maintaining good airway health to support the natural functions of our body.

Sleep Apnea, Bruxism, and Mouth Breathing

Studies have found a significant correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding). This relationship is thought to be due to the body's attempt to reopen the upper airway by moving the jaw forward, which can result in teeth grinding. This action also helps to tense the muscles and prevent airway collapse during sleep, which generally presents as clenching. Chronic mouth breathing can alter the natural position of the tongue, or vice versa, and change the oral environment, contributing to dental malocclusions and potentially affecting facial development. These changes can result in orthodontic issues.

Gum Disease and Cavities

Poor airway health, particularly from conditions like sleep apnea and chronic mouth breathing, can significantly exacerbate the risk factors for gum disease and cavities. When the airway is restricted, it often results in dry mouth—a condition where there is insufficient saliva production. Saliva is crucial as it naturally cleanses the mouth, balances pH levels, and provides essential minerals needed for tooth remineralization. This environment can facilitate the formation of cavities and lead to inflammation in the gums (gingivitis), progressing to more severe periodontal disease.

Additionally, the systemic inflammation that arises from chronic sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can further exacerbate oral health issues. Sleep apnea disrupts restful sleep and shifts the body into a constant state of sympathetic nervous system activation (the “fight or flight” response), leading to heightened systemic inflammation. This chronic inflammatory state not only impacts the body’s ability to fight off infections but also contributes to the deterioration of oral tissues, increasing susceptibility to gum disease and cavities.

Tooth Wear and Developmental Impacts

Compromised airway health contributes to various forms of tooth wear, such as attrition from bruxism, fractures and abfractions from clenching. Additionally, developmental impacts such as improper jaw development and issues related to the positioning and removal of third molars can be linked back to chronic airway issues during formative years, leading to dental malocclusions such as misaligned teeth, insufficient growth and a high vaulted palate which create a reduction of total volume for nasal breathing.

Tonsillar Hypertrophy and Oral Health

Tonsillar hypertrophy, or enlarged tonsils, is often a consequence of chronic mouth breathing. Nasal breathing, the way nature intended, functions as a natural filter for incoming air. It warms, moistens, and conditions the air before it reaches the lungs. Nasal breathing also helps regulate air quality and reduces the burden on the tonsils by filtering airborne particles and pathogens.

In contrast, mouth breathing bypasses these natural defenses. When breathing through the mouth, the tonsils are forced to take on the additional role of filtering and conditioning the air. This constant strain can lead to tonsillar enlargement (hypertrophy) and recurrent infections, such as strep throat, which can further impact overall health. In children, chronic mouth breathing due to enlarged tonsils can also result in frequent ear infections, sometimes necessitating tubes for drainage. The chronic inflammation from tonsillar hypertrophy not only disrupts sleep but also has repercussions on oral health.

Maintaining a Healthy Oral Microbiome and Preventative Measures

- Daily Oral Care: Brush twice daily, floss or use interproximal brushes to remove food debris and reduce overgrowth of bacteria. Consider natural mouthwash alternatives like bone broth or raw milk after meals to maintain oral cleanliness without disrupting the microbiome.

- Dietary Choices: Include probiotic-rich foods and high-fiber prebiotics to support beneficial bacteria. Avoid excessive sugary and acidic foods that can harm the oral microbiome.

- Hydration: Drink structured, mineral rich water and eat foods with high water content to help maintain optimal saliva production and oral mucosal health.

- Treatment Options: Explore myofunctional therapy, proper nasal breathing techniques, and, if necessary, CPAP machines or dental appliances for managing sleep apnea while focusing on the root cause of your personal airway issue with an airway focused practitioner.

Conclusion

Addressing airway health is more than just improving breathing; it's crucial for maintaining comprehensive oral and overall health. Conditions like sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and tonsillar hypertrophy not only disrupt systemic health but also significantly impact oral health, leading to a range of dental issues from cavities to complex orthodontic problems. By understanding and managing these airway issues, you can significantly enhance both your oral health and overall wellness. Regular consultations with a biological or airway-focused dental practitioner will equip you with the strategies to manage the intricate relationship between your airway health and oral health conditions. Taking these steps will ensure that both your smile and your body remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.