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The Critical Role of Dentists for Sleep Apnea

by | Feb 1, 2025 | Dental Office Trends

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Table of Contents

 

Key Points

      • Sleep apnea is a common and increasingly prevalent problem in the United States and throughout the world.
      • Early intervention can help address symptoms of sleep apnea and prevent issues from progressing.
      • Sleep apnea dentists can play a pivotal role in screening, diagnosing, and treating the condition.

The incidence of sleep apnea is increasing across the globe. Currently, more than 936 million adults ages 30 to 69 years around the world have severe obstructive sleep apnea, and another 425 million adults have moderate to severe sleep apnea, according to a group of studies compiled by the medical journal The Lancet.1

More alarming is the prevalence of studies that point toward the destructive nature of sleep apnea. It is linked to myriad chronic diseases, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression.

While often overlooked, dentists can play a critical role in identifying and managing this condition in their patients. This includes detecting early signs of sleep apnea, such as tooth grinding, along with prescribing interventions, like custom oral appliances.

This article explores the critical role dentists play in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about this disorder, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do to combat it. The information below will also help you find sleep apnea dentists in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. There are two types: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles relax and collapse the upper airway. This blocks airflow, despite heavy breathing efforts.

Risk factors for OSA include obesity, narrow airways, and enlarged tonsils or adenoids. It is also more prevalent in men than in women. Common OSA symptoms include:

      • Loud snoring
      • Gasping or choking sounds
      • Morning headaches
      • Dry mouth
      • Excessive daytime sleepiness2

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by the brain failing to send signals to the breathing muscles. It often stems from different neurological or other medical conditions. Symptoms of CSA include abnormal breathing, shortness of breath, and frequent waking up at night.3

Common Dental Signs of Sleep Apnea

Beyond these general symptoms, there are a few that dentists screen for that often point to some form of sleep apnea. These include:

      • Tooth grinding
      • Scalloped tongue edges
      • Inflammation in the throat
      • Chronic snoring

One of the most common indicators of sleep apnea is tooth grinding or “bruxism.” Worn enamel surfaces and inflamed gums are tell-tale signs of teeth grinding, which can trigger breathing interruptions.

Scalloped tongue edges occur when the tongue presses against the teeth during sleep. It too is a common sign of airway obstructions.

Chronic snoring can cause inflammation and irritation in the throat. For this reason, dentists who detect these symptoms may investigate the prospective threat of sleep apnea.

Finally, dental patients may report a high incidence of dry mouth to their dentist. This also can be a symptom related to sleep apnea.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Dental Health

From a dental hygiene perspective, sleep apnea can cause or exacerbate other conditions. It can cause tooth damage, including cracking or enamel degradation, related to tooth grinding.

Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath. In more severe cases, sleep apnea can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. For this reason, it is vital to get an early and accurate sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment plan.4

Sleep Apnea Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Processes

The process of screening for, diagnosing, and treating sleep apnea is fairly straightforward. The dentist may use questionnaires and observations to identify at-risk patients and to assess symptoms. Given certain circumstances, the dentist may make a referral to a primary care doctor or sleep specialist.

In some cases, the patient could benefit from attending a sleep study. In addition to getting a diagnosis, these can aid in determining the severity of the condition and the underlying causes.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the sleep apnea dentist will formulate a personalized treatment plan. In most situations, a separate office visit may be necessary. However, many other treatments, like fitting for oral appliances, can be completed in a single visit.

Regardless of the approach, dentists will want to monitor the outcomes, including if the patient is seeing any progress. In many instances, “checkups” can be combined with your regular cleaning appointments for convenience.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Since so many of the issues stemming from or contributing to sleep apnea are related to dental health, dentists can prescribe treatments that combat the effects of the condition.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes, such as weight management and sleep position adjustments, are non-invasive first steps to combatting sleep apnea. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives can reduce the chances of airway inflammation. Attempting to sleep on one’s side can minimize snoring as well.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) involves the fabrication of custom-made two-piece mandibular advancement devices (MADs).5 They are adjustable and are a comfortable alternative to rigid, over-the-counter options.

They work by repositioning the lower jaw forward, which can help keep the airway open during sleep. The dentist monitors progress and makes adjustments as needed.

OATs can be an effective first-line treatment, especially for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Studies show that OAT reduces the severity of sleep apnea and improves sleep in up to 75 percent of patients, and completely resolves symptoms in about one-third of patients.6

CPAP Machines

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most prominent and effective treatments for sleep apnea, especially for moderate to severe cases, or those with comorbidities. They require the patient to wear a mask over their nose, mouth, or both. CPAP machines work by delivering pressurized air through a mask to keep airways open.

Surgery

For cases of extreme sleep apnea, or where other interventions have failed, surgical options are available. Basic tissue removal can address obstructions caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Maxillomandibular advancement is another procedure that involves moving the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the patient’s airway.

The Role Dentists Play in Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

Dentists can be an important player in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment for a variety of reasons. One is early detection. Regular dental visits are a prime opportunity for spotting early signs of sleep apnea before symptoms have a chance to worsen.

Dentists also can offer several noninvasive sleep apnea treatments that do not require outside interventions. For instance, in many cases, sleep apnea can be effectively treated with alterations to sleep positions and OATs (see above). These solutions can be great alternatives to invasive surgeries or cumbersome, uncomfortable CPAP machines.

Even if dentists cannot provide the needed treatment, they can serve as an important bridge between patients and sleep specialists. In many instances, a multi-pronged approach is most impactful.

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) has emphasized the need for qualified dental professionals to take the lead in sleep apnea prevention and treatment, and has worked with other organizations to develop best practices for oral appliance therapy.7 Dentists can help get the ball rolling, even if further interventions are eventually required.

Find Sleep Apnea Dentists Near You

Now that you understand the importance of early intervention and aggressive treatment for sleep apnea, you can put together a plan of action. Sleep apnea dentists can help get you pointed in the right direction.

Loren is a luxury dentist in Raleigh NC, merging exceptional dental care and technology with a spa-like environment. We provide a range of dental services, from routine cleanings to crowns, bridges, white fillings, oral surgery, and sleep apnea treatments. Reach out to us today to schedule a visit.

 

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