When most people think of their dentist, they think of routine cleanings and cavity fillings. But what if your dentist could also help you sleep better and even improve your overall health? Dentists can play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common and potentially serious sleep disorder. Dr. Rita Tempel offers treatments like oral appliances that keep your airway open and address the symptoms of sleep apnea in Gettysburg, PA.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea happens when your airway becomes blocked while you sleep. It can cause you to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can happen many times each night and can lead to poor sleep and low oxygen levels. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse during sleep. This is where your dentist can help.
The Dentist’s Role in Sleep Apnea
Many people don’t realize that dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice symptoms of sleep apnea. At a routine dental exam, a dentist might observe physical signs like a small jaw, a scalloped tongue, or worn-down teeth.
These signs can indicate that a patient may be grinding their teeth at night due to breathing interruptions. Dr. Tempel may ask about symptoms like snoring, morning headaches, or daytime fatigue.
If we suspect that you have sleep apnea, we may refer you to a sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis. You can get a sleep study. If the results confirm mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, we offer an alternative to the traditional CPAP machine: oral appliance therapy.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. For people who struggle with CPAP machines, oral appliances offer a quieter, more comfortable solution. These devices are similar to mouthguards or orthodontic retainers.
They’re easy to travel with, simple to clean, and often well-tolerated. Studies have shown that oral appliance therapy could significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality in many patients with mild to moderate OSA. Some dentists even work closely with sleep physicians to fine-tune treatment and monitor progress over time.
Why Collaboration Matters
The treatment of sleep apnea is most effective when there’s collaboration between healthcare providers. A sleep specialist confirms the diagnosis, while our dentist creates an oral appliance that fits properly and works well. Our office wants to treat the symptoms and the causes to reduce your health risks.
Once you’re diagnosed, Dr. Tempel can step in to help manage your treatment. She’ll ensure your device fits properly and works effectively. This kind of team-based approach ensures you get the best care possible. We not only want to treat just the symptoms of sleep apnea, but its underlying causes and health risks.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because people don’t realize that their symptoms could point to a serious health issue. Common symptoms like loud snoring, restless sleep, or feeling exhausted during the day can indicate sleep apnea. If you’ve noticed these symptoms or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, talk to Dr. Tempel at your next appointment.
Today’s dentists are trained to spot the warning signs of sleep-disordered breathing and may be able to offer an effective treatment plan that doesn’t involve a CPAP machine. Taking the first step could lead to better sleep and improved health.
Treat Sleep Apnea at the Dentist
At Gettysburg Smiles, we understand the connection between your oral health and overall health. If you suffer from sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance could help reduce nighttime grinding and jaw pain. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.