Why Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Should Be on Your Dental Radar
When you think about snoring or sleep apnoea, your first thought probably goes to a sleep specialist, not your dentist. However, your dental team is often one of the first lines of defense in identifying and treating these common but serious conditions. The structure of your mouth, jaw, and airway are all closely linked, and signs of trouble during sleep often show up during a routine dental exam.
At Sun Dental, we look beyond just your teeth and gums. We take a holistic view of your health, and that includes how you breathe when you sleep. Understanding the connection between your oral health and sleep quality is the first step toward better nights and healthier days.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing your airway to narrow or close as you inhale. Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. This can happen hundreds of time a night, often without you being aware of it.
Snoring is a key symptom and is often caused by the same airway vibrations. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea, loud and persistent snoring is a significant red flag.
The Link Between OSA, Snoring, and Your Dental Health
Your dentist is uniquely positioned to spot the subtle signs of sleep-disordered breathing. Here’s how these issues connect to your oral health:
Tooth Wear: People with OSA often grind their teeth (a condition called bruxism) at night as their body struggles to open the airway. This can lead to flattened, worn-down, or fractured teeth.
Jaw Position and TMJ Pain: The constant clenching and grinding associated with OSA puts immense strain on your jaw joints (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ). This can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
Bite Problems: The alignment of your bite can contribute to a smaller airway. A misaligned jaw can push the tongue further back into the throat, increasing the risk of obstruction during sleep.
Dry Mouth: Many people with OSA breathe through their mouths at night, leading to chronic dry mouth. This isn't just uncomfortable; it also increases your risk of cavities and gum disease, as saliva is crucial for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids.
How Dental Treatments Can Help
The good news is that dentists can offer effective, non-invasive solutions to manage snoring and mild to moderate OSA. These treatments focus on repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while you sleep.
Oral Appliance Therapy
One of the most common dental treatments is oral appliance therapy. This involves creating a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard or retainer, that you wear at night. The appliance gently shifts your lower jaw forward, which helps prevent the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. These devices are comfortable, portable, and easy to care for, making them a popular alternative to CPAP machines for many patients.
Bite Adjustments
In some cases, correcting an imbalanced bite can improve airway function. By making small adjustments to the chewing surfaces of your teeth, we can help your jaw rest in a more favorable position, reducing strain on the TMJ and potentially opening the airway.
Combination Therapy
For patients with more severe OSA, oral appliance therapy can be used in combination with a CPAP machine. A custom-fitted oral appliance can reduce the pressure needed from the CPAP, making it more comfortable and increasing the likelihood that you will use it consistently.
Why Choose Sun Dental for Your Sleep Health?
Finding the right care is crucial. At Sun Dental, located conveniently in downtown Lethbridge, our team has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating issues related to TMJ, snoring, and sleep apnoea. We understand the complex relationship between your bite, jaw, and airway. Our comprehensive approach means we don't just look for cavities; we assess your overall oral system to identify underlying problems that could be impacting your sleep and quality of life.
We take the time to listen to your concerns, perform a thorough evaluation, and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
Take the First Step Toward Restful Nights
If you or your partner struggles with loud snoring, or if you experience symptoms like daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or jaw pain, your dental health might hold the key. Don't let poor sleep undermine your well-being.
Book a screening consultation for snoring and sleep apnoea at Sun Dental today. Let us help you find the path to quieter, more restorative sleep.