Visiting the Dentist for Sleep Apnea Concerns
When people think about sleep apnea, they often picture sleep studies, CPAP machines, and visits to a primary care physician or sleep specialist. What many don’t realize is that your dentist can also play a valuable role in identifying and managing sleep apnea. At River Valley Dentistry, we take a whole‑health approach to care, and that includes paying attention to how your sleep affects your overall well-being.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder where airflow repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These interruptions can reduce oxygen levels in the body and prevent you from reaching restorative stages of sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health concerns.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Jaw soreness or teeth grinding (bruxism)
How Can a Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?
Because sleep apnea often presents oral and facial signs, your dentist may be the first healthcare provider to notice a potential issue. Dentists are uniquely positioned to notice early signs of sleep apnea during routine exams. They evaluate more than just your teeth and also look at your jaw structure, airway, tongue position, bite alignment, and signs of grinding or clenching that may be linked to disrupted sleep.
If sleep apnea is suspected, your dentist may:
- Discuss your sleep habits and symptoms
- Identify oral risk factors
- Coordinate care with your physician or sleep specialist
- Recommend oral appliance therapy when appropriate
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable Treatment Option
The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles of the throat relax and block the airway during sleep. For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, custom oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP. These devices are worn at night and gently reposition the jaw or tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Comfortable, custom-fit design
- Quiet and portable (great for travel)
- Easy to wear and maintain
- Non-invasive compared to other treatments
Once we confirm your sleep apnea diagnosis, our dental team can work with your medical provider to determine if an oral appliance is right for you. Our team can help you navigate insurance coverage as well.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
At River Valley Dentistry, our goal is to support your total health, not just your smile. If you or a loved one snores loudly, wakes up tired, or struggles with sleep quality, it may be time to talk to your dentist about your symptoms and whether dental sleep apnea treatment could help. A conversation during your next dental visit could be the first step toward more restful nights and healthier days.
Schedule an appointment and learn how dentistry can help improve your sleep and quality of life. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.