Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted or restricted while you are sleeping.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the muscles and tissues in the throat relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airway.
These interruptions can happen many times throughout the night, sometimes without the person realizing it.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t always have obvious symptoms. Some signs may be noticed by you, while others may be reported by a partner or family member.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking frequently during the night
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability or changes in mood
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
If someone tells you that you stop breathing while sleeping, this should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?
When breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, the body may not receive enough oxygen and the normal sleep cycle can be disrupted.
Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with a number of health concerns, including:
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular problems
- Increased risk of certain metabolic conditions
- Reduced quality of life
Because sleep apnea can have significant health implications, proper diagnosis and treatment are important.
Sleep Apnea & Your Mouth
Dentists can sometimes identify signs that may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing during a routine dental examination.
We may look at factors such as:
- The shape and size of the oral structures
- The position of the jaw
- Signs of teeth grinding
- Dry mouth
- Airway-related characteristics
- Changes associated with nighttime breathing
A dental examination cannot diagnose sleep apnea on its own, but it may help identify concerns that should be investigated further.
Teeth Grinding & Sleep Apnea
Some people with sleep apnea also experience bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding and clenching.
Grinding can contribute to:
- Flattened or worn teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw soreness
- Headaches
- Damage to dental restorations
If you notice signs of grinding, let your dental team know. We can evaluate your teeth and discuss appropriate options.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
If sleep apnea is suspected, a proper medical evaluation is necessary.
Diagnosis may involve a sleep study, which monitors breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other factors while you sleep.
Depending on the circumstances, testing may take place in a sleep clinic or through an approved home sleep study.
If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, speak with your physician or an appropriate sleep specialist about evaluation.
Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Some patients with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from an oral appliance.
A mandibular advancement device is designed to gently position the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This can help maintain a more open airway in appropriate patients.
Oral appliance therapy may be considered for certain patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for people who cannot tolerate other treatment options.
Whether an oral appliance is appropriate depends on your diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Oral Appliances & Your Dental Health
If an oral appliance is recommended, your dentist can monitor how it affects your teeth, bite, and jaw over time.
Regular follow-up is important because an appliance can place pressure on the teeth and jaw structures.
Your dental team can check for changes and make adjustments when appropriate.
Other Sleep Apnea Treatments
n oral appliance isn’t the right treatment for everyone.
Depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Weight management when appropriate
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
- Oral appliance therapy
- Positional therapy
- Other medical or surgical treatments
Your physician or sleep specialist can recommend the treatment most appropriate for your diagnosis.
What Can You Do If You Suspect Sleep Apnea?
If you regularly snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, feel excessively tired during the day, or have been told that you stop breathing during sleep, talk to your healthcare provider.
You can also mention your symptoms during your dental appointment.
At Scarborough Village Dental Care, we can evaluate your oral health, discuss symptoms you may be experiencing, and recommend that you seek appropriate medical evaluation when necessary.
Better Sleep Starts With Better Awareness
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. Repeated interruptions in breathing can affect your sleep and overall health.
Recognizing the signs and seeking an appropriate diagnosis is an important first step.
Our team at Scarborough Village Dental Care can work alongside your healthcare providers when dental treatment is part of your sleep apnea care.
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