Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans, causing them to experience repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night. Eventually, it can lead to serious health complications if it’s not addressed in a timely manner. When you visit your dentist, they’ll identify dental care issues associated with sleep apnea. Below is an overview of the role dentists play in sleep apnea treatments.

The Relationship Between Your Dentist & Sleep Apnea  

Detecting Symptoms 

Common symptoms of sleep apnea are related to oral health. As such, a dentist can examine the teeth, mouth, throat, and jaw areas for signs that a patient’s airway is being obstructed. They’ll look for evidence of teeth grinding, as those with sleep apnea frequently grind their teeth, wearing down the surfaces. This can result in inflamed or receding gums and chipped or cracked teeth. 

The pressure from grinding also leaves teeth more vulnerable to bacteria. Thus, a sudden increase in cavities can be another clue that points toward the sleep disorder.

Additional dental care problems that may be detected are dry mouth or gingivitis due to open mouth breathing, redness in the throat from constant snoring, and jaw pain.

Providing Treatment

While a dentist is not able to diagnose sleep apnea, they can recommend a sleep survey if they suspect a patient has the disorder. Once the condition is confirmed, a dentist may use specialized oral appliances to help manage the problem to improve the patient’s dental care.

These are typically suitable in mild to moderate cases and work by pushing the lower jaw forward to allow for better airflow. Over time, the airways will become stronger, helping to prevent future sleep apnea.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, make an appointment for an oral screening at Drs Bradford and Catchings Family Dentistry in Fishersville, VA. They provide patients with an effective treatment plan using top quality, custom-made oral devices. Backed by decades of combined experience, these dentists are committed to helping patients achieve and maintain a high level of dental care. Call (540) 213-1966 to schedule a visit, or view their website for more information on the services they offer.