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Sleep apnea is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t just affect your sleep. It can also impact your heart health, energy, and overall quality of life. Another thing many people don’t realize: your dentist may be one of the first professionals to spot the warning signs and offer real solutions.
If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel tired no matter how much sleep you get, you might be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Thanks to advances in dental sleep treatments, including a dental appliance for sleep apnea, your dentist can play a key role in both identifying and treating this condition.
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing your airway to narrow or even close off completely. When this happens, your brain briefly wakes you up to reopen your airway, often without you even realizing it.
Sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues if left untreated, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Aside from these more critical health problems, it can also leave you feeling foggy, irritable, and exhausted during the day.
Your dentist isn’t just checking for cavities and gum disease, they’re also trained to look for telltale signs of sleep apnea during your regular visits. Some red flags include:
If your dentist notices these symptoms, they may recommend a sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to offer a treatment called oral appliance therapy. This involves wearing a custom mouthpiece while you sleep, which works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open.
For many patients, this option feels much less invasive than using a CPAP machine, as it involves wearing a mask connected to an air pump. Dental appliances are comfortable to wear, in addition to being small, quiet, and travel friendly. This treatment can be effective for many cases of mild to moderate OSA.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to offer a treatment called oral appliance therapy. This involves wearing a custom mouthpiece while you sleep, which works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open.
For many patients, this option feels much less invasive than using a CPAP machine, as it involves wearing a mask connected to an air pump. Dental appliances are comfortable to wear, in addition to being small, quiet, and travel friendly. This treatment can be effective for many cases of mild to moderate OSA.
Don’t underestimate the impact that better sleep can have on your health and happiness. If you’re dealing with the effects of sleep apnea, or suspect you may be, your dentist could be your first step toward relief. At Epic Family Dental in San Clemente, we’re experienced in diagnosing and providing effective solutions for sleep apnea.
Ready to wake up feeling refreshed? Contact us today at (949) 492-3407 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you breathe easier and sleep better, night after night.
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2025 EPIC FAMILY DENTAL © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED