Snoring is common, and on its own it isn't always a problem. But loud, regular snoring is also one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep and breathing briefly stops.
Dentists are often among the first to notice the clues. Here's what we look for, what we can help with, and what needs a physician.
Signs it may be more than snoring
- Someone has noticed you stop breathing, choke or gasp during sleep
- You wake up unrefreshed even after a full night
- Daytime sleepiness, such as nodding off while reading, watching TV or driving
- Morning headaches or a very dry mouth on waking
- Waking up often at night, including to use the bathroom
- High blood pressure that's hard to control
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart problems and drowsy-driving accidents, so these signs are worth taking seriously.
What we may notice at a dental visit
At a routine exam we sometimes see things that make us ask about your sleep: worn teeth from grinding, a scalloped tongue, a large tongue or narrow airway at the back of the mouth, or a small or set-back lower jaw. None of these diagnoses anything. They're reasons to ask a few questions and, if it fits, suggest you look into it further.
What a dentist can't do: diagnose sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, using a sleep study. That might be an overnight study in a sleep lab or a home sleep test you wear in your own bed. The study shows whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is, and that decides which treatments make sense.
We don't recommend treating loud snoring without that step. A device that quiets snoring can hide apnea that still needs care.
What a dentist can do
- Screen and refer. If your answers or your exam suggest a risk, we'll recommend talking with your physician about a sleep study.
- Oral appliance therapy, when it's right for you. For many people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, and for some who can't tolerate a CPAP machine, a physician may prescribe a custom oral appliance. It's worn at night and holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. A dentist trained in sleep medicine makes and adjusts it, and a follow-up test checks that it's working.
- Look after your teeth along the way. Appliances can shift the bite over time, so we keep an eye on it at your regular visits.
CPAP remains the standard treatment for many people, especially with more severe apnea. An oral appliance is an alternative for the right person, not a replacement for everyone.
About over-the-counter snoring devices
Store-bought anti-snoring mouthpieces can reduce snoring for some people, but they're not fitted or adjusted to your jaw, they can strain the jaw joint or move teeth, and they're not a treatment for sleep apnea. If you're thinking about one, it's better to rule out apnea first.
Next step
If any of this sounds familiar, mention it at your next visit or give us a call. We'll ask a few questions, check what we can see, and tell you plainly whether a sleep study is worth discussing with your doctor.
You can reach our Skyline office at (703) 931-4544 or our Old Town office at (703) 549-7492, or book online at whichever is closer.