Sleep Apnea and Dentistry: How Your Dentist Can Help You Sleep Better
Do you wake up tired, even after what should be a full night of sleep? Do your partner or family members notice loud snoring or pauses in your breathing at night? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the U.S. every year.
What many people don’t realize is that your dentist may be one of the best professionals to turn to for help. At Haid Dental, our team offers sleep apnea treatment that can improve your breathing, restore your energy, and protect your overall health.
Let’s walk through what sleep apnea is, why it matters, and how dental care can be a key part of your treatment plan.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. These interruptions, called breathing patterns or breathing stops, lower your oxygen levels and prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused when the throat muscles and upper airway collapse or relax too much during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea: A less common type where the brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
When left untreated, this serious sleep disorder can raise your blood pressure, strain your heart, and increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Because sleep apnea happens at night, many people don’t realize they have it until a partner notices unusual breathing interruptions.
Here are some of the signs of sleep apnea to look out for:
- Loud snoring or choking sounds during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness or constant fatigue
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Trouble concentrating during the day
- Mood changes or irritability
If you notice these symptoms, or if you’re told your breathing pauses while you sleep, it’s important to get a sleep apnea test or home sleep apnea test to confirm a diagnosis.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters for Your Health
Untreated sleep apnea is about more than feeling tired. The lack of oxygen and disrupted sleep can impact your entire body.
People with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure and other cardiovascular medical conditions
- Diabetes and insulin resistance
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Memory issues and reduced quality of life
Your body depends on steady oxygen levels and balanced carbon dioxide levels while you rest. When these are out of sync, your heart, brain, and immune system are put under strain. Addressing sleep apnea not only helps you feel more alert, it protects your long-term health.
How Dentists Can Help With Sleep Apnea
Most people think of a sleep specialist or physician when they hear “sleep apnea.” While they play an important role, your dentist may be the provider who offers the most comfortable treatment option.
At Haid Dental, we offer sleep apnea treatment that works hand-in-hand with your physician or sleep specialist. Our role is to help identify concerns and provide solutions that support healthy breathing and restful sleep. Many dentists are trained to provide oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP, and we can guide you in exploring whether this type of treatment may be right for you.
Compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP therapy) machines, which deliver airway pressure through a mask, oral appliances are quieter, easier to travel with, and often more comfortable for patients with mild sleep apnea or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Our dentists work closely with your healthcare provider or sleep center to make sure your appliance fits into a personalized treatment plan that supports your overall well-being.
What to Expect From Sleep Apnea Treatment at Haid Dental
If you come to us with concerns about sleep apnea, we’ll start by listening to your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. In many cases, we’ll recommend working with your physician or a sleep specialist for a sleep study or home sleep apnea test, which confirms the type and severity of the condition.
Once you have a diagnosis, our team can discuss dental treatment options that may support your care, such as collaborating with your healthcare provider to explore oral appliances or other therapies. Throughout the process, we’ll stay involved in your care to answer questions, check your oral health, and help make sure your treatment plan supports both your sleep and your smile.
Lifestyle Support for Better Sleep
Along with dental treatment, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and physical activity
- Avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
These steps can improve your sleep and support your overall quality of life, especially when combined with professional treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you’ve noticed the symptoms of sleep apnea or are struggling with CPAP, we encourage you to talk with our team.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.