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Your dentist sees sleep problems before your doctor does sometimes. I'll explain why.
Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing during sleep, sometimes dozens or hundreds of times a night. Your body wakes up to gasp for air, and you fall back asleep without really remembering it happened. You wake up exhausted.
The symptoms are snoring, gasping at night, being tired during the day even after sleeping, dry mouth in the morning, headaches. Some people have all of these. Some have just one or two.
Here's what I see in my chair. Patients with sleep apnea often grind their teeth at night because their body is stressed by the breathing disruptions. Their tongues have scalloped edges from pressing against their lower teeth. Their palates are narrow. Their jaws are positioned back. These are clues.
A sleep study will give you the diagnosis, not a dental exam. But if I notice these signs, I'll ask you about your sleep and suggest you talk to your doctor about getting tested.
If you have sleep apnea, your options are CPAP, which pushes air into your airway while you sleep, or an oral appliance that's basically a custom mouthguard that holds your jaw forward and keeps your airway open. The appliance is easier for a lot of people to use. Some patients do both depending on the night.
Why does this matter beyond just being tired? Untreated sleep apnea is hard on your heart. It raises blood pressure. It affects your blood sugar. It increases stroke risk. Over time, it adds up.
If you recognize yourself in any of this, mention it at your next appointment. We can screen for the signs, and I can refer you to your doctor for testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can a dentist tell if I have sleep apnea?
We look for signs: scalloped edges on your tongue, a narrow palate, a jaw that's positioned back, and evidence of teeth grinding. But a sleep study from your doctor gives the actual diagnosis. If I notice these signs, I'll ask about your sleep and suggest you talk to your doctor about testing.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
CPAP pushes air into your airway while you sleep. An oral appliance is basically a custom mouthguard that holds your jaw forward and keeps your airway open. Some patients do both depending on the night. Both options work, and it comes down to what's easiest for you to use consistently.
Why does sleep apnea matter if I'm just tired?
Untreated sleep apnea is hard on your heart. It raises blood pressure, affects your blood sugar, and increases stroke risk. Over time it adds up. Getting treated protects your whole body, not just your sleep quality.
Can an oral appliance actually help my sleep apnea?
Yes. For many people, it's actually easier to use consistently than CPAP. The appliance holds your jaw forward, which keeps your airway open. Some patients prefer it because there's no mask or machine. It's a solid option.
Should I mention my snoring at my dental appointment?
Absolutely. If you snore, gasp at night, feel exhausted during the day, have dry mouth in the morning, or get headaches, tell us. We can screen for signs and refer you to your doctor for testing if needed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book your appointment with Dr. Kaur at The Village Dentist in Bloor West Village.
(416) 760-0404 | [email protected] | 750 Annette St, Toronto
