Sleep apnea is a very common problem that a lot of people suffer from. The disorder can be very dangerous to one's health, however with the help of a dentist the signs can be identified and the appropriate steps can be taken to reduce symptoms.
It may be surprising to learn that a dentist plays a role in sleep apnea, but in actuality, they undergo a lot of training to detect, diagnose, and treat sleeping disorders. In the case of sleep apnea, the oral cavity plays a big part, which is where a dentist can be quite helpful.
Dentists can check for sleep apnea symptoms in patients during a check-up visit. Some individuals are completely unaware of their sleep apnea, which is why having a dentist check the oral cavity can be helpful. Keep reading to learn more about how they detect the condition.
Outlined below are a few ways in which a dentist can identify sleep apnea in patients. This information can be incredibly helpful to review when feeling unsure whether sleep apnea is an existing problem.
When looking for sleep apnea, dentists start by examining the teeth. If the teeth appear to be worn down or weak then teeth grinding may be occurring, which is a symptom of sleep apnea. When suffering from sleep apnea, individuals often clench down on their jaw as a way to wake themselves up. Over time, clenching can result in weakened enamel, which can translate to weaker teeth overall. The dentist can carefully examine the teeth to see whether the enamel has been worn off.
Individuals that suffer from sleep apnea will also have a much smaller jaw. Over time, if clenching occurs as a result of sleep apnea, the jaw will begin to shrink, thus making it appear smaller. Dentists can examine the jaw as a way to determine whether sleep apnea is present.
A tongue that has scalloped edges is another sign that sleep apnea is a problem. When the airway becomes obstructed, the tongue is often at fault. It can block off airflow, which over time, can lead to the tongue becoming worn down and oddly shaped. A scalloped tongue often appears to have waves or ripples in it.
One of the main symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Because the airway becomes obstructed, the throat often suffers, thus causing snoring. Chronic snoring can lead to a red throat, which may be inflamed or irritated. The dentist can carefully examine the throat for any redness, inflammation, or swelling.
Individuals who suspect they have sleep apnea should consult directly with a general dentist for a full evaluation. Any questions or concerns can be addressed, and the dentist can check the oral cavity for any warning signs. Reach out today to get scheduled for an appointment or to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gentletouchdentalcare.com or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at (718) 924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Forest Hills, NY.
OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, is a health issue that should receive proper treatment. Your dentist can help you manage this disorder with the proper dental appliance. The oral device will be custom-fit for your needs. Here are the dental appliances that can help with your sleep apnea.This problem involves the blockage of the airways…
Sleep apnea affects tens of millions of American adults. Without an effective treatment solution, obstructive sleep apnea can cause symptoms that affect the patient negatively at night and throughout each day. The good news is that there are effective treatment solutions for sleep apnea. In this review, we discuss the most popular options from a…
Sleep apnea, also called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a common condition that affects more than 50 million people in the United States and more than 1 billion people worldwide. In this review, we discuss the signs of sleep apnea that indicate a need for a professional diagnosis.The most common indicators of sleep apnea are…
If you have sleep apnea, it might at first seem like more of a nuisance for your partner than for you, especially if your primary symptom is snoring. Is it a good idea to find a solution that merely minimizes the effects on your sleeping partner — such as noise-canceling earbuds to mask the sound…