Snoring and sleep apnea: what does the dentist have to do with it?
More than it seems. The tongue, jaw, palate, and the position of the teeth influence the space air passes through during sleep, and the dentist examines exactly those structures. The diagnosis of apnea, however, always belongs to the sleep physician. Well Clinic Odontologia takes part in the screening and adds to the medical care.
What your mouth has to do with your sleep.
During sleep the muscles relax and the airway space depends, in large part, on the architecture around it:
Size and posture of the tongue
The position of the tongue during sleep influences the space air passes through. It is one of the structures the dentist examines closely and often.
Position of the jaw
The jaw helps define the architecture of the airway. How it is positioned, and how the teeth relate to each other, is part of the clinical reading.
Shape of the palate
The shape of the roof of the mouth also takes part in that space. Signs in those structures, alongside the right questions about sleep and energy, can raise suspicion early.
The dentist's role
To recognize oral signs and sleep reports that are suggestive, and to guide the patient toward medical evaluation. The dentist takes part in the care; the diagnosis belongs to the sleep physician.
It is worth investigating if you notice:
- Frequent, loud snoring, almost every night
- Pauses in breathing noticed by whoever sleeps beside you
- Daytime sleepiness, even after a full night
- Waking up tired, or with a dry mouth or headache
- Grinding your teeth during the night
The diagnosis of apnea is medical, made with a sleep study. The dentist takes part in investigating the oral factors and, in selected cases with medical indication, oral appliances can be part of the treatment, always within the plan defined with the physician.
Sleep is part of the same reading.
Sleep quality shows up in the mouth and the mouth shows up in sleep. That is why questions about snoring, tiredness, and night-time grinding are part of the 2-hour systemic first consultation rather than an afterthought.
What patients ask us.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. The diagnosis of apnea is medical, made with a sleep study. The dentist takes part in the screening, recognizing oral signs and suggestive reports, and guides the patient toward medical evaluation.
Does an oral appliance treat apnea?
In selected cases with medical indication, oral appliances can be part of the treatment, always within the plan defined with the physician.
Why does the dentist ask about my sleep?
Because the tongue, jaw, palate, and tooth position influence the airway space, and because grinding and waking up tired are connected signs.
Can I be seen in English?
Yes. Consultations at Well Clinic Odontologia can be conducted in English, in Jardim Paulista, São Paulo.
The first consultation reads the whole case.
Two hours evaluating teeth, bite, habits, and overall health, in English if you prefer, before any plan is proposed.