If you sometimes wake up with a small wet spot on your pillow near your mouth, it is likely that you were drooling during sleep. While occasional drooling might not be anything to worry about, it may be a cause for concern if it happens frequently. It could even indicate that you have obstructive sleep apnea! What is the connection between these two issues? This blog post provides some helpful information.
How Is Drooling Related to Sleep Apnea?
Drooling is simply the unintentional action of allowing saliva to flow out of your mouth. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on the other hand, is a medical condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep.
At first, the connection between these issues might seem strange, but it becomes easier to understand when you learn that individuals with OSA often find it difficult to breathe through their nose during sleep. Therefore, they sleep with their mouth open. As a result, they are more likely to produce drool.
Is Your Drooling a Sign of OSA?
Drooling is just one indication that you might have OSA. Here are some other signs to look for:
- Loud, frequent snoring.
- Daytime exhaustion despite sleeping for 7 – 8 hours.
- Morning headaches or sore throats.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Waking up feeling startled and out of breath.
How to Stop Drooling and Breathe Better
If your drooling points toward OSA, you should visit your doctor to ask about undergoing a sleep test. After you receive an official diagnosis, you can explore your treatment options. For example, a laser treatment might be able to tighten tissues in your airway to allow for improved breathing. Another possible solution is the Vivos system, which uses special appliances to improve the structure and function of the upper airway. Once you are able to breathe better at night, you might find that your drooling decreases.
On the other hand, if your drooling is not a sign of OSA, there may be other ways to stop it. For example, drinking more water might thin out your saliva and make it less likely to pool. Or, you could find out if you are a candidate for BOTOX injections, which may temporarily reduce your saliva production.
Drooling might seem like a minor problem, but it could point to a sleep disorder! If you suspect you have OSA, now is the best time to seek professional care.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Russ Teasdale is a dentist who has been serving Portland for more than 40 years. He is proud to offer multiple sleep apnea treatments, including laser services and the innovative Vivos system. If you are concerned that your drooling might point to OSA, he and our team would be pleased to advise you on your next steps. Contact Evolution Dental at 503-974-3829.