Why You Should See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment

We often think of our dentist as the go-to expert for a healthy smile. But what if I told you that your dentist might also be able to help you achieve something just as vital: restful sleep? At Washington Center for Dentistry in Washington, D.C., we believe that your oral health is closely connected to your overall well-being, and that includes how well you sleep.

You've probably heard of sleep apnea, a condition often linked to restless nights and loud snoring. However, the impact of untreated sleep apnea extends far beyond just feeling tired. It can contribute to serious health issues like heart problems, persistent fatigue, and even affect your mood and mental clarity. While many people naturally think of a sleep specialist for this, dentists with specialized training in sleep-breathing disorders offer a unique perspective by understanding the intricate relationship between your mouth, airway, and sleep quality.

Depending on the sleep-related challenges you're experiencing, the specific type of sleep apnea involved, and your individual needs, we might discuss the possibility of using a convenient oral appliance, sometimes referred to as a mouthguard, to help improve your sleep. This could be a comfortable and manageable option, especially when compared to other treatments like CPAP machines. Let's explore how dental care can play a role in addressing sleep apnea and what signs might suggest it's worth exploring further.

Why is sleep apnea a concern?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, often because the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and throat relax too much and collapse, making it difficult for air to pass through. This can lead to repeated pauses in your breathing throughout the night, causing your oxygen levels to drop and significantly disrupting your sleep. Over time, this ongoing stress on your body can increase the risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Weight gain
• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating

It's more than just feeling groggy in the morning; untreated sleep apnea can have significant long-term consequences for your overall health and quality of life.

What clues might suggest you have sleep apnea?

Sometimes, the signs of sleep apnea are obvious, like loud snoring. However, it's important to know that sleep apnea doesn't always present with snoring. This is sometimes referred to as silent apnea, where breathing pauses occur without the characteristic loud noises. This is why it's crucial to be aware of other potential symptoms. Often, a partner or someone you share a living space with might be the first to notice something unusual during your sleep. Some common indicators of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring: While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, it's a common symptom.
• Daytime sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired and struggling to stay awake during the day, even after what you think was enough sleep.
• Morning headaches: Waking up with a headache that tends to improve as the day goes on.
• Waking up gasping or choking: A sudden feeling of breathlessness during the night can be alarming.
• Irritability or trouble concentrating: Feeling easily frustrated or having difficulty focusing on tasks.
• Dry mouth upon waking: This can occur if you've been breathing through your mouth during the night.

Whether you're a loud snorer or experience other subtle signs, it's wise to explore the possibility of a sleep-breathing disorder. Untreated sleep apnea can negatively impact your physical health, emotional well-being, and even your relationships.

How can a dentist contribute to better sleep?

As dental professionals, we understand the intricate relationship between your oral structures and your ability to breathe properly, especially during sleep. If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest a potential sleep-breathing issue, our first step is a thorough evaluation. However, it's important to clarify that we do not directly diagnose sleep apnea.

Instead, if our initial assessment raises concerns about a potential sleep disorder, we partner with qualified sleep physicians to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis. This often involves referring you for a sleep study. We work closely with experts, whether it's through local sleep labs like the Neurology Center in Bethesda or via convenient telemedicine options like Virtuox, where a board-certified sleep physician analyzes data from an overnight home sleep test.

Once a sleep physician has provided a diagnosis, and if it's determined that an oral appliance could be a beneficial part of your treatment plan, we can then discuss the possibility of a custom-fitted mandibular advancement device (MAD). While any licensed dentist can provide this type of appliance, the effectiveness of the treatment relies heavily on the dentist's specific knowledge and experience in managing sleep-breathing disorders.

It's crucial to understand that sleep-breathing disturbances can vary significantly from person to person. A dentist with a deep understanding of these individual variations and a strong working relationship with sleep physicians or sleep centers is best equipped to provide effective care. Successful outcomes often depend on the ability to make improvisational micro-adjustments to the oral appliance. These fine-tunings can be the difference between significantly reducing apnea events versus experiencing only limited improvement. In some cases, without proper follow-up and adjustments, the condition might not improve or could even worsen.

To achieve an optimal fit and effective airway management, we utilize a precise technique. Prior to taking any impressions, we focus on establishing a relaxed and comfortable jaw posture. This essential step ensures that your muscles are in a neutral position. We then use advanced dimensional scanning technology with laser LED light to create a highly accurate digital impression of your teeth and surrounding tissues. This technology captures your jaw in its comfortable, relaxed position.

This detailed digital impression allows a computer designer to fabricate the oral appliance with exceptional precision. The device is designed to fit in a specific location between your teeth, ensuring that when you wear it, your jaw and facial muscles remain at rest, without any strain or awkward positioning. This comfortable and balanced fit is key for:

• Maximizing the opening of your airway: By gently repositioning the lower jaw forward, the appliance helps to prevent the airway from collapsing.
• Preventing potential side effects: A precise and comfortable fit minimizes the risk of jaw soreness or changes to your bite.
• Optimizing treatment effectiveness: The ability to make informed adjustments, guided by data from follow-up efficiency studies with home sleep tests, is crucial for achieving the best possible results.

Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of care, which includes collaborating closely with sleep specialists and utilizing our expertise to tailor treatment to your unique needs.

Taking the first step toward restful sleep

At Washington Center for Dentistry, we believe that quality sleep is a cornerstone of overall health. If you're experiencing any of the signs of a potential sleep-breathing disorder or are looking for alternative treatment options you've found more manageable, we encourage you to reach out. We can discuss your concerns, conduct an initial assessment, and guide you through the process of getting a comprehensive sleep evaluation with a qualified sleep physician. We can also discuss our experience and collaborative approach to providing oral appliance therapy, ensuring you receive well-informed and effective care. Together, we can explore pathways to help you breathe easier and enjoy the benefits of truly restorative sleep in Washington, D.C.