Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, yet many don’t realize they have it. Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue are more than just annoyances—they’re signs of a condition that could be affecting your long-term health.
At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we’re not just concerned with your teeth and gums—we also care about how you sleep. Dentists are uniquely positioned to help identify and manage sleep apnea, often before a patient ever visits a sleep specialist.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when muscles in the throat relax during sleep, blocking airflow and causing pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, depriving your body of oxygen and preventing deep, restful sleep.
Common Signs and Risks
Many patients don’t connect symptoms like dry mouth, morning headaches, or jaw pain with sleep disorders. But during a dental exam, we may observe physical indicators—such as tongue positioning, worn teeth from grinding, or inflammation—that point to apnea.
Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain.
How Dentists Can Help
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can fit patients with custom oral appliances that gently reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep. These devices are often more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP machines, especially for those with mild to moderate OSA.
Our practice coordinates care with sleep apnea doctors to ensure proper diagnosis through a sleep apnea test, then offers oral appliance therapy tailored to each patient.
Take Action for Better Sleep
If you snore, feel constantly tired, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, don’t ignore the signs. A dental consultation may be the first step to a better night’s rest and improved overall health.
At Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, we work alongside sleep specialists to help you breathe easier—one night at a time.
