Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition when left untreated. 

Get tested and know your status, so it can be addressed by a professional.

Do you or your partner struggle with snoring and sleeplessness? It’s time to get tested for sleep apnea. Your oral health could be to blame for snoring and sleep disturbances, both signs of obstructive sleep apnea. It may come as a surprise when your dentist asks about your sleep patterns, but they are often the first to notice symptoms of sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Nearly 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, according to the National Sleep Foundation. It’s a condition that produces ongoing breathing disruptions throughout the night. The interruptions of airflow can occur 30 or more times each hour, lasting just a few seconds to minutes at a time. The dental issues linked to sleep apnea include the jaw being too small, the tongue is too large, or muscles in the back of the throat are sagging.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The DeJesus Dental Group can often identify sleep apnea issues due to the evidence of tooth grinding, or bruxism. Worn tooth surfaces indicate the patient grinds their teeth at night. Bruxism can cause tooth breakage or wear and can leave gums inflamed. An increase in cavities is also a warning sign of tooth grinding as the wear damages the teeth, making them more vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities. Redness in the throat from continuous snoring also indicates sleep apnea issues.

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Sleep Apnea Treatments

At DeJesus Dental Group, we have partnered with Sleep Group Solutions to test patients with signs of sleep apnea. Data is collected through a home sleep study that records how often you wake during the night. Once the data is collected, our specialists will review the information with you and help determine the next best steps for treatment.

We offer two sleep apnea treatment options. A dental splint is the first option. The small device fits comfortably in your mouth while you sleep. The splint shifts your jaw just enough to help it stay open while you sleep. We can also refer you to the proper physician for a CPAP machine. The machine pumps positive air pressure through a mask you wear to keep your windpipe clear while sleeping.

Not all snoring means you have sleep apnea, but being tested for the condition may result in better sleep and health. For more information about sleep apnea treatments, or to make your next appointment by calling our Bridgeport dental office.