How Your Dentist Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night, often without them even knowing it. This condition leads to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and can contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

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The most common type - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing a blocked or narrowed airway.

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How Dentists Can Help with Sleep Apnea

While treatment is often associated with sleep specialists or CPAP machines, many people are surprised to learn that dentists play a key role in identifying and managing sleep apnea, especially mild to moderate cases.

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1. Screening and Early Detection

Dentists are uniquely positioned to notice physical signs of sleep apnea during routine exams. These signs can include:

• Worn-down teeth (from nighttime grinding or bruxism)
• Jaw tension or facial muscle strain
• Enlarged tonsils or restricted airway
• Scalloped tongue or dry mouth

If sleep apnea is suspected, your dentist can refer you for a sleep study, either at-home or in a sleep clinic, to confirm the diagnosis.

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2. Custom Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a dentist can fit a custom oral appliance, also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD).

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These appliances work by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. Oral appliance therapy offers several advantages:

• Non-invasive and easy to use
• More comfortable and discreet than CPAP
• Portable and travel-friendly
• Ideal for CPAP-intolerant patients

At Forest Family Dentistry, we carefully tailor each oral appliance for a comfortable fit and effective treatment.

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3. Referral to Sleep Specialists

If signs point to severe sleep apnea or if an oral appliance doesn't provide sufficient relief, your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist. Further treatment options may include:

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy
• Surgical interventions
• Lifestyle changes or weight management

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Know the Signs of Sleep Apnea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with sleep apnea:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or chocking during sleep
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or irritability

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Talk to Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea

Don't ignore the signs of disrupted sleep. At Forest Family Dentistry, we're here to help you sleep better, feel better, and protect your long-term health. Whether it's through a custom oral appliance or a referral for advanced care, we're committed to providing whole-person, dental solutions.

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Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Austin.