one more follow up set of questions

Thank you again for your answers,

More questions:

1) Do people who suffer from sleep apnia (apnea) typically feel sleep deprived throughout the day? In other words, when you say,

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Yes, daytime sleepiness can be a feature of sleep apnea.

2) The long-term effects of sleep apnea are not known, but the results of continual poor sleep can lead to the following: depression, irritability, loss of memory, lack of energy, a high risk of auto and workplace accidents, and physical problems such as high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and in some cases, death.

3) Tough to say without examining you.  When in doubt, I would also recommend going to a physician.  There is very little risk in that.

4) OSA = obstructive sleep apnea

5) Mouth breathing is one of the more common causes of dry mouth.  I cannot be more specific without examining you.

6) I cannot be sure why good dental hygiene is stopping the dry mouth.  I do not have a good explaination why improvement in hygiene is helping the dry mouth.

7) Mouth breathing can increase the risk of gingivitis (gum disease).

8) There are several possibilities - the order you presented is certainly possible and the most likely scenario.  

9) I would see a physician and obtain a sleep study to definitively rule out sleep apnea.  Losing weight can only help and is recommended.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b