When most people think about sleep apnea, they think of loud snoring or CPAP machines. Many people are surprised to learn that dentists play an important role in sleep apnea treatment for certain cases. At Orleans Dental Centre, we’re proud to be part of your care team, because better breathing means better health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. This can lead to loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, morning fatigue or headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Some lifestyle changes to help with sleep apnea can also make a meaningful difference alongside professional treatment.
Learn more about the oral health effects in our detailed blog on how sleep apnea impacts your oral health.
Why Dentists Are Involved in Sleep Apnea Care
Dentists are often the first to spot signs of sleep apnea, including:
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), which may also point to a TMJ disorder
- Dry mouth from mouth breathing
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Narrow airways visible during an oral exam
Because untreated grinding can damage teeth, a nightguard may also be part of your care plan. Chronic jaw tension can also lead to TMD, which further affects your quality of sleep.
We are also uniquely trained to create oral appliances that can gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open, especially helpful for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine. Our team can also help identify and manage TMD without surgery when it overlaps with sleep-related issues.
What Is an Oral Appliance?
A custom oral appliance is a small, mouthguard-like device that you wear while sleeping. It works by moving the lower jaw slightly forward, preventing the airway from collapsing, and reducing snoring and sleep interruptions.
Read more about what to expect in our blog on sleep apnea oral appliances.
How We Collaborate With Your Medical Team
While dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnea, we work closely with your physician or sleep specialist. If you’ve had a sleep study and been diagnosed with OSA, we can provide a dental appliance as part of your treatment plan.
Not sure where to start? A thorough dental check up is a great first step. Our meet the doctors page introduces the team who will guide you through the steps.
The Whole-Body Connection
Sleep quality affects far more than just how rested you feel. Ongoing stress and poor sleep can also impact your gum health, while untreated inflammation is linked to heart and overall health concerns. Regular cleanings and prevention visits are one of the best ways to monitor both your oral and overall wellbeing.
A Healthier Night’s Sleep Begins Here
At Orleans Dental Centre, your trusted dentist in orleans, we believe great family dentistry includes supporting your overall wellness, and quality sleep is a huge part of that. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or think you may be at risk, contact us at (613) 824-3888 to schedule a consultation.
We’ll help you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your smile every night.