Sleep apnea is a medical condition affecting between two and nine percent of the U.S. population, according to The Sleep Foundation. Dentists can play a part in diagnosing and helping to limit its impact, with a dental checkup showing up the tell-tale signs of teeth grinding. This condition causes a patient to stop breathing throughout the night and wake up gasping for air. Sleep apnea can be a long-term issue leading to a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease when left untreated. 

1. Complete an Examination

The most important function a dentist plays in diagnosing sleep issues is to look for the signs and symptoms. The common symptoms of sleep and breathing issues are damaged teeth due to grinding throughout the night. Alongside identifying the symptoms of teeth grinding, snoring is spotted by a dentist who can identify redness of the throat. WebMD explains a dentist will refer a patient to a specialist for a sleep study that will provide a complete diagnosis. 

2. Oral Appliances

A patient who suffers from sleep and breathing problems will usually be fitted for a mouthguard to open their airways during the night. Here at the dental practice, fittings are completed for night guards to assist in limiting breathing issues. Oral appliances, also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices, can allow patients to sleep well without resorting to CPAP machines. 

3. Discuss Dentures With Your Dentist

One of the options open to patients with breathing issues is to replace their damaged teeth with dentures. The use of dentures provides several benefits for patients, including adding stability to the soft tissues. Dentures have the ability to limit the use of CPAP machines that are uncomfortable when sleeping for patients. 

4. Early Identification

Research is ongoing into the causes of breathing and sleep problems, with orthodontists identifying physical characteristics associated with these medical issues. The earlier the potential for breathing problems are identified, the earlier treatment can begin to avoid future problems. From the age of seven, dentists refer patients to orthodontists to address identified problems. Orthodontists work with patients who have small jawbones and struggle to keep their tongue from blocking the airway while sleeping. The work of orthodontists can limit the effects of this problem and avoid apnea becoming a future issue.

5. Retraining Your Tongue

Also known as Myofunctional therapy, the ability to retrain your mouth is available to avoid any long-term problems. A percentage of sleep apnea patients can find relief from their problems by strengthening the tongue and mouth. Myofunctional therapy includes a series of exercises designed to strengthen the soft tissue in the mouth. Through working to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles, sleep problems can be reduced. The therapy aims to limit the number of times the tongue slides into the wrong position and blocks the airway. 

Dentists play an important role in limiting the problems associated with breathing and sleeping. A dentist who is aware of apnea issues will identify the commonly seen symptoms and provide advice on the best course of action.