Sleep Apnea is a serious condition where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often leading to disrupted rest and various health risks. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway.

Dentists can play a key role in helping manage sleep apnea, particularly **mild to moderate cases. Here's how:

1. Screening and Diagnosis

Dentists are often in a position to screen for sleep apnea since they can observe signs like:

• Teeth wear patterns (from grinding)
• Jaw or neck muscle strain
• Enlarged tonsils or a narrow airway

If a dentist suspects sleep apnea, they might recommend a sleep study (either at home or in a sleep clinic) to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Oral Appliances (Mandibular Advancement Devices)

A dentist can fit you with a custom oral appliance , also called a mandibular advancement device (MAD) . These are devices that fit over the teeth and reposition the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. By bringing the jaw forward, these devices reduce the collapse of the throat muscles that causes the airway obstruction.

They are non-invasive, easy to use, and often more comfortable than CPAP machines, especially for people who can't tolerate a CPAP mask. They are ideal for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who have trouble using CPAP.

3. Referral to a Specialist

If a dentist identifies signs of severe sleep apnea or if an oral appliance isn't enough, they might refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep clinic for further evaluation and treatment options, which could include CPAP therapy, surgery, or other interventions.

If you're experiencing signs like loud snoring, chocking, or gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, or a dry mouth upon waking, it's worth talking to your dentist. They can perform a preliminary assessment and recommend next steps, whether that's an oral appliance, a referral to a sleep specialist, or other treatments. call Forest Family Dentistry today if you have any questions.