Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but not always. Loud, frequent snoring is often the first clue of sleep apnea and snoring problems, and it is worth mentioning to our Fort Wayne, IN dentist, Dr. Denise Acosta.
Here’s what you need to know about snoring, sleep apnea and the part your dentist can play.
Why People Snore
Snoring happens when soft tissue at the top of the airway vibrates as air moves past it during sleep. It is common, and plenty of people snore now and then after a long day or a cold.
Snoring that is loud, happens most nights and comes with other symptoms deserves a closer look.
When Snoring Points to Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the throat muscles relax during sleep and soft tissue blocks the airway. Breathing stops and starts, and each pause briefly wakes the brain to restart it, usually without you remembering.
Not everyone who snores has it, according to MedlinePlus sleep apnea information. The signs listed on our service page are a good starting point:
- Loud, frequent snoring, often noticed first by a partner
- Pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime tiredness, even after a full night in bed
- Morning headaches with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Trouble concentrating, irritability or mood changes
The NHLBI sleep apnea symptoms page notes that many people only learn about their nighttime symptoms when a bed partner mentions them.
Why It Should Not Be Ignored
Untreated sleep apnea strains the body night after night. It is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Daytime sleepiness also raises the risk of accidents at work and on the road.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
A dentist does not diagnose sleep apnea. It is diagnosed with a sleep study, ordered by a physician and done overnight at a sleep center or at home with a portable monitor.
If the study confirms it, your physician or sleep specialist will talk with you about the type and how serious it is.
Common Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the person and the results of the sleep study. Common options include a CPAP machine, a custom oral appliance and lifestyle changes.
An oral appliance is worn during sleep and holds the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. The NHLBI explains that a dentist may custom fit an oral device when a patient is referred for one.
How a Dentist Can Help
Your dental team sees you regularly, so we are in a good spot to notice changes and listen to what you or your partner have noticed. Teeth grinding often goes along with sleep apnea, and worn or chipped teeth are a common sign of grinding.
Your routine exam, which may include dental X-rays, is a good time to bring up snoring. For grinding and jaw pain, we make custom bite guards from impressions of your teeth through our TMJ and bite guard care.
You can read more about our comfort and sleep dentistry services. Between visits, keep up your daily brushing and flossing routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes. Sleep and breathing disorders can affect people of all ages, and children may snore, breathe through the mouth or have trouble paying attention at school.
The NHLBI says sleep apnea in children is often caused by large tonsils or adenoids. If you notice these signs in your child, talk with their pediatrician and mention it at their next dental visit.
Is teeth grinding connected to sleep apnea?
Often, yes. Teeth grinding commonly shows up alongside sleep apnea, though researchers are still sorting out which one leads to the other.
Cleveland Clinic notes a confirmed correlation between the two. At Broadway Dentistry, we make custom bite guards from impressions of your teeth to help protect them from nighttime grinding.
Can a sleep study be done at home?
Often, yes. A sleep study can be done overnight at a sleep center or at home with a portable monitor, and your physician decides which test fits your symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic explains that a home test does not track brain waves and cannot diagnose central sleep apnea. An in-lab study may be needed in some cases.
What can help reduce snoring at night?
Simple habits can help some people snore less. Sleeping on your side instead of flat on your back, avoiding alcohol and sedatives at bedtime and reaching a healthy weight are common starting points.
MedlinePlus lists these same steps. If loud snoring continues or comes with daytime tiredness, talk with your physician about whether a sleep study makes sense.
When should I mention snoring at Broadway Dentistry?
Bring it up at your next cleaning or exam, especially if a partner has noticed loud snoring or pauses in breathing. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, with shorter hours on Wednesday.
You do not need to wait for a symptom to get worse. Call Broadway Dentistry at (260) 456-3406 with any questions before your visit.
Talk to Us About Your Snoring
Snoring is not normal, and sleep apnea and snoring deserve attention from both your physician and your dentist. If you or your partner have noticed any of these signs, our team at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN is glad to listen.
Call Broadway Dentistry today at (260) 456-3406 or schedule an appointment online.
