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Believe it or not, dentists are usually the first healthcare professionals to spot a snoring or sleep apnea problem. This is because dental exams and teeth cleanings are typically performed twice a year. These bi-annual exams give dentists like Dr. Robert Petrtyl the opportunity to ask patients searching questions about their overall health and hygiene habits, which can lead to important insights about serious conditions like sleep apnea.

Let’s go over a few tell-tale signs that can lead to an early diagnosis of snoring and sleep apnea:

  • Dry Mouth: Perhaps the most easily noticeable sign of a snoring or sleep apnea problem is dry mouth. When snoring occurs during sleep, salivary flow becomes hindered and the teeth, gums, tongue, and throat fail to moisten. Because saliva is necessary for oral cleansing, dry mouth can lead to other issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Bad Breath: Medically known as halitosis, bad breath becomes an issue when oral hygiene is subpar. Since adequate saliva flow is an issue for those who snore or have sleep apnea, it’s essential for them to maintain their oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing in order for them to avoid bad breath.
  • Jaw Pain: When snoring and sleep apnea become serious enough to warrant medical intervention, oral apparatuses are typically used to help the patient breathe normally during sleep. After prolonged use, these devices may cause jaw pain and discomfort. Although jaw pain is an indirect side effect of sleep-related breathing issues, it does greatly affect some of the mouth’s functions such as chewing and jaw movement.

To learn more about general dentistry, gum disease treatment, and tooth extraction, give the office of Dr. Robert Petrtyl a call at (513) 554-4657 . You can also visit his website.

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