Are you constantly feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Do your loved ones complain about your loud snoring? You might be dealing with sleep apnea, a common but serious sleep disorder. While you may not immediately think of your dentist when it comes to sleep issues, we at Serenity Smiles in Scottsdale, AZ, are here to tell you that your dentist can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Before we dive into how we can help, let’s talk about what sleep apnea looks like. Some common signs include:
• Loud, persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or irritability
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
How Can Your Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?
You might be wondering, “What does my dentist have to do with my sleep?” Well, quite a lot, actually! At Serenity Smiles, Dr. Justin Waters is trained to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and can play a vital role in your diagnosis and treatment.
Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice signs of sleep apnea because many symptoms manifest in the mouth and jaw area. During your regular check-ups, we can spot indicators such as:
• Worn tooth surfaces (from grinding)
• A small jaw or recessed chin
• Redness in the throat (from snoring)
• Scalloped tongue edges
If we suspect you might have sleep apnea, we can refer you to a sleep specialist for a definitive diagnosis.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: Your Dentist’s Role
Once diagnosed, there are several apnea treatment options available, and your dentist can be instrumental in providing some of these solutions:
1. Oral Appliance Therapy: This is often our go-to treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. We can custom-fit you with a device that repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep.
2. CPAP Alternative: While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are effective, some patients find them uncomfortable. We can offer oral appliances as a more comfortable alternative in some cases.
3. Combination Therapy: For some patients, a combination of CPAP and oral appliance therapy works best. We can work with your sleep specialist to find the right balance.
4. Lifestyle Changes: We can also advise on lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, such as weight loss, changing sleep positions, or avoiding alcohol before bed.
At Serenity Smiles, we’re committed to helping you achieve not just a beautiful smile, but also a good night’s sleep. If you suspect you might be dealing with sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Give us a call at 480-400-5000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Waters. Together, we can work towards better sleep and improved overall health. Remember, a good day starts with a good night’s sleep!
