The Link Between Dentists & Sleep Apnea
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, almost 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly undiagnosed medical conditions in the world. This is a significant problem because untreated sleep apnea plays a role in a number of dangerous medical conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, and obesity.
This is where dentists, such as Dr. Mark Katz, come into play. Dentists play a significant role in detecting sleep apnea symptoms and making sure their patients receive the appropriate treatment. Learn how Dr. Katz can help with your sleep apnea symptoms.
How Dentists Can Diagnose Sleep Apnea
Although many patients don’t automatically associate their dentist with sleep apnea, dentists can diagnose and treat loud snoring and sleep apnea. Dentists are commonly the first medical practitioners to discover signs of sleep apnea in their patients, as dentists are experts on the region of the body where sleep apnea occurs.
There are telltale signs of sleep apnea that dentists frequently notice during a patient’s regular checkup even when the patient has no idea they’re suffering from the disorder. For example, worn down teeth, cracked teeth, and swollen or receding gums are common symptoms of bruxism, and nighttime teeth grinding often occurs in conjunction with sleep apnea.
Getting You the Appropriate Care
If Dr. Katz notices signs of sleep apnea during an examination, he’ll ask you a series of related questions about your health, the quality of sleep you’ve been getting, and how you’re feeling throughout the day.
The next step will be for the patient to take a sleep study. This is a simple process that can be conducted in a sleep center or in the privacy and comfort of your home. A sleep physician will review the results of the sleep study and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to help mild occasional snoring?
What can I do to help mild occasional snoring?
For anyone who snores, a consultation with your sleep dentist can be beneficial for learning how to manage sleep-disordered breathing problems. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help manage your snoring:
- Sleep on your side
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages at least four hours before bed
- Avoid consuming heavy meals and snacks at least three hours before bed
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Weight loss
- Establish a regular sleep routine
Is oral appliance therapy an effective solution to snoring?
Yes, oral appliance therapy can be an effective solution to snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances move your lower jaw forward and prevent your tongue from falling backward, keeping your airway open while you’re sleeping. To be effective, however, oral appliances must be customized to fit your mouth.
Can dental problems cause sleep apnea?
Yes, certain dental problems can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, including:
- TMJ disorders
- Bruxism
- Breathing through the mouth
- Misaligned teeth
- The shape of the patient’s jaw
Ask your dentist to discover if you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
What kind of dentists treat sleep apnea?
Dental sleep medicine is an area of specialization where dentists diagnose and treat loud snoring and sleep apnea with treatments such as oral appliances. They’re trained to find the best treatment to address a patient’s sleep disorders. Consult with a sleep dentist for more information on healthy sleep habits.
Get Relief From Your Greensboro Sleep Dentist
If you’re a heavy snorer and you often feel tired or sleepy during the day, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Call Dr. Katz today at (336) 346-8988 today and we’ll make sure you get the appropriate care. You can also fill out our online contact form below and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.
Dr. Mark Katz is a highly qualified sleep dentist with extensive experience and training in the field. We feature convenient CPAP alternatives for treating both snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Katz proudly offers his years of expertise to patients in the Greensboro area as well as the surrounding areas including Winston-Salem, Whitsett, Summerfield, and Kernersville, NC.