The inside of your mouth can provide a surprising amount of insight into your overall health. If you’re having trouble sleeping, your dentist may be able to detect early signs of sleep disorders—namely, sleep apnea. The experts at Anchorage Dental Center, a dental clinic based in Alaska, detail the connection between sleep apnea and oral health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea impacts more than 18 million American adults. This condition causes your breathing to become briefly and repeatedly interrupted while you sleep. There are to forms of this condition: obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep your airway open, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to control your breathing while you sleep.

Sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Symptoms can include chronic snoring, drowsiness, headaches, and related conditions like jaw pain and memory difficulties.

Why Should You Visit Your Local Dental Clinic?

Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping through the night or feeling rested, but you can’t figure out why. Your dentist might spot early signs of sleep apnea before you do. Dental signs include tooth grinding, inflamed and receding gums, increased cavities, and redness in the throat.

Only a medical doctor can make an official diagnosis, but you can work with your dentist to manage some of your sleep apnea symptoms. They may recommend a custom-made night guard to reduce your teeth grinding, which can help prevent cavities, jaw pain, and related headaches. You deserve to enjoy a good night’s sleep, which is why your dentist may recommend taking part in a sleep study to figure out your next steps.

Your oral health is closely connected to your overall wellness, which is why it’s important to schedule regular check-ups and maintain an ongoing relationship with your family dentist. Families in the Anchorage area trust the friendly staff at Anchorage Dental Center for a wide variety of services, ranging from cosmetic to general dental work. To schedule an appointment with the dental clinic, call (907) 278-2521 or visit them online to learn more about their dental procedures.