The Hidden Link Between Acid Reflux and Sleep Apnea: What Your Dentist WantsYou to Know

By Dr. Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD

If you’ve been treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but still wake up tired or have trouble adjusting to your oral appliance, you’re not alone. New research—and years of clinical insight—point to a sneaky culprit that might be sabotaging your sleep: acid reflux.

As a dentist specializing in airway health and whole-body healing, I want to share some eye-opening connections between reflux, oral acidity, and sleep-disordered breathing—and what you can do about it.

The Acid-Airway Connection

Reflux, especially silent nighttime reflux (GERD), doesn’t always show up as heartburn. Sometimes, it can inflame the throat and upper airway without causing obvious symptoms. This chronic irritation can narrow your airway and worsen snoring or apnea—even if you’re already in treatment.

Dentists are often the first to spot signs like:

● Enamel erosion

● Dry mouth (xerostomia)

● Burning tongue or sour breath

● Signs of bruxism or clenching

If you’re experiencing these issues, it may be time to explore how oral acidity is impacting your sleep. How Medication

How Medications Play a Role

How Medications Play a Role Certain medications—especially SSRIs (like Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil)—reduce saliva flow. That may seem harmless, but saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against acid. Less saliva means more acidity, which in turn leads to increased inflammation. It’s a chain reaction that can weaken enamel, irritate soft tissues, and disturb your airway at night.

If you’re taking these meds and experiencing dry mouth, ask your dental provider about simple support tools like:

● Alkaline mouth rinses

● Saliva substitutes

● Diet and hydration tips

● Preventive fluoride or xylitol products

Easy Ways to Reduce Reflux (and Sleep Better)

Here are a few simple shifts you can try tonight:

● Eat smaller meals throughout the day

● Avoid food 2–3 hours before bed

● Raise the head of your bed 6–8 inches

● Skip acidic drinks (soda, citrus, coffee) and choose alkaline water

● Breathe through your nose—mouth breathing dries out tissue and worsens reflux

These aren't just good for digestion—they’re essential for airway protection and better sleep.

Why Your Dentist Cares About Reflux

At our office, we believe dental care is about more than just teeth. Your mouth is the front door to your airway, your gut, and your brain. By watching for signs of acidity, inflammation, and disrupted sleep, you can take meaningful steps toward healing—not just managing symptoms.

Whether it's guiding you through a sleep test, helping with oral appliance therapy, or coaching you on reflux-friendly habits, our goal is simple: help you breathe, sleep, and heal better.

Want Help Managing Reflux or Sleep Apnea?

We offer patient-friendly resources, same-day appliance solutions, and personalized support for oral-systemic wellness. If you’re struggling with dry mouth, appliance comfort, or nighttime symptoms, let’s talk.

📞 Call us at 801-375-1414 or 📧 email adcprovo@gmail.com to schedule your airway consultation.

Sleep is not optional. Healing is not optional. And your health is worth it.

– Dr. Michael Bennett, Dr. Dave Smith and the Team at Advanced Dental Care