When most people think about sleep apnea, they think of loud snoring or CPAP machines. But did you know that dentists play an important role in diagnosing and treating certain types of sleep apnea? 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
- Difficulty concentrating
If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Learn more about the oral health effects in our blog on how sleep apnea impacts your mouth .
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)
- Dry mouth from mouth breathing
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Narrow airways visible during an oral exam
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.
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
- 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? We’ll help guide you through the steps.
A Healthier Night’s Sleep Begins Here
At Orleans Dental Centre, we believe great dental care 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 to schedule a consultation.
We’ll help you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your smile—every night.