How Your Dentist Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder repeatedly stops and starts during the night - often without the person even realizing it. This leads to poor-quality sleep, daytime fatigue, and an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

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This most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing a narrowed or blocked airway.

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How a Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea

While most people associate sleep apnea treatment with CPAP machines or sleep specialists, dentists can play a critical role - especially in identifying and managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. At Forest Family Dentistry in Austin, we offer personalized dental solutions to support better sleep and overall health.

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Screening and Early Detection

Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to spot signs of sleep apnea during routine dental exams. Common indicators include: 

• Worn teeth from nighttime grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw tension or TMJ symptoms
• Scalloped tongue or dry mouth
• Enlarged tonsils or visibility restriced airways

If these signs are present, your dentist may recommend a sleep study (either at-home or in a sleep clinic) to confirm the diagnosis.

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Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, we offer custom oral appliance therapy. These dental devices - also called mandibular advancement devices (MADs) - are worn during sleep and gently reposition the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open.

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Benefits of oral appliances:

• Comfortable, non-invasive treatment
• Quieter and more discreet than CPAP
• Easy to travel with
• Ideal for patients who are CPAP-intolerant

At Forest Family Dentistry, we provide custom-fitted sleep apnea appliances designed to maximize comfort, effectiveness, and long-term use.

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When to Refer to a Sleep Specialist

If your symptoms suggest severe sleep apnea or if oral appliance therapy isn't effective on its own, we will coordinate care with a local sleep medicine specialist. Additional treatment options may include:

• CPAP therapy (Continues Positive Airway Pressure)
• Surgical Interventions
• Lifestyle changes like weight management or nasal therapy

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Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

Not sure if you're affected? Here are some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Morning headaches or sore throat
• Dry mouth upon waking
• Excessive daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
• Mood changes like irritability or depression

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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Austin, TX

At Forest Family Dentistry, we believe your oral health is deeply connected to your overall wellness - including the quality of your sleep. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don't wait. We offer dentist-led sleep apnea evaluations and custom dental appliances as a simple, effective solution for many patients.

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Call Forest Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for sleep apnea treatment in Austin.