We pay special attention to the unique needs of our diabetic patients at Riverwalk Dental. People with diabetes have many additional health concerns, including an increased risk of gum disease, but our services extend to obstructive sleep apnea (OAS), as well. The link between OAS and diabetes is not completely understood, but there is a very high correlation.
Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for OAS. It makes the patient’s soft tissues likelier to sag into their airways when they’re lying down. As a metabolic disorder, diabetes puts people at an increased risk for obesity, but the connection may be deeper than that. Scientists believe that the stress of disrupted sleep causes the body to release hormones which release more glucose, creating a vicious circle. Sleep apnea also raises the patient’s blood pressure, while diabetes causes painful nerve damage that is also disruptive to sleep.
There are several means of easing the symptoms of sleep apnea dentists can help with. Among them are providing CPAP machines, which are masks that help to regulate the wearer’s breathing. We can also help provide night guards to reduce nighttime teeth grinding, which is often an attempt by the body to keep the airways open.
Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.
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