Uncovering Sleep Apnea: The Dentist's Unexpected Role | Solstice

Sleep apnea, a disorder that can have serious implications, impacts 39 million people across the United States. This condition involves recurrent pauses in breathing throughout the night, disrupting the sleep cycle.

Despite being so common, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. If left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly affect your quality of life and increase the risk of developing conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Surprisingly, your dentist is often among the first healthcare providers who can spot the signs of sleep apnea.

Dentists frequently check the mouth, jaw, and throat—areas that can show signs of sleep apnea. If you grind your teeth (bruxism) or have an enlarged tongue or inflamed throat tissue, your dentist might be the first to notice these warning signs. Let's explore how your local dental professionals can help identify and manage sleep apnea.

Key Takeaways:

• Sleep apnea affects 39 million people
• Dentists can be on the frontlines for recognizing signs of sleep apnea during oral exams, with up to 80 percent accuracy

• Sleep apnea is connected to overall health issues like Type 2 diabetes, Heart failure, increased weight and hypothyroidism
• You can be diligent in taking care of your health by going to the dentist regularly, brushing and flossing every day, eating a balanced diet and limiting alcohol intake

What is Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea.

OSA usually happens due to factors like excess weight, structural differences, or large tonsils. On the other hand, CSA can be linked to heart conditions, stroke, or certain medications.

Be on the lookout for these common symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing or gasping for air during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep or excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty paying attention while awake
• Irritability

Oral Health Signs of Sleep Apnea

As noted by the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, there are several key signs your dentist should be aware of during dental check-ups that might indicate sleep apnea. These signs include:

• Restricted visibility of the throat
• Tiny cracks on the teeth
• Enlarged jaw muscles
• Scalloped tongue edges
• White lines on the cheeks

According to Rutgers, by examining the physical signs of sleep apnea along with your overall health history, dentists can identify patients at risk with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 80 percent.

Sleep Apnea and Your Overall Health

Your overall health and sleep apnea are closely intertwined. Not only can sleep apnea affect other areas of your health, but your overall health can also influence whether you develop sleep apnea or experience worsening symptoms.

Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Some health conditions that can increase the risk of sleep apnea, include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Cleft lip or cleft palate
• Heart disease
• Large tonsils
• Increased weight
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What You Can Do to Help

Your dentist can catch health problems early on, especially if you visit more frequently than your medical doctor.

During an oral exam, your dentist can identify issues like bad breath, mouth sores, and swollen gums, giving them a good overview of your overall health.

Besides regular dental visits, you can enhance your oral and overall health by:

• Brushing your teeth for two to three minutes, twice a day
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach
• Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and vitamins (such as seafood, fruit and low-fat yogurt)
• Avoiding cigarettes and tobacco.
• Limiting your alcohol
• Following the instructions from your doctor and dentist about health care and medications

Dentists play a crucial role in spotting sleep apnea early on. Through routine dental exams, they can identify potential warning signs and refer you to sleep specialists for further evaluation and treatment. Staying informed about your health can make all the difference. For more insights, download our free infographic on how smoking impacts your oral health.

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