Does snoring keep you awake, either from yourself or a partner?
Sleep apnea affects 5-20 percent of adults in the US. It can lead to couples sleeping in separate rooms, causing relationship problems for everyone concerned.
But would you think to see a dentist for sleep apnea? They can spot things that your physician might miss.
Read on to learn how to find a good dentist to treat this condition.
Why Would You See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
Snoring occurs for several reasons. The main ones connected to sleep apnea are that the tongue is too big or the muscles in the throat are too loose. They obstruct the airway, producing the vibration known as ‘snoring’.
Your dentist is well placed to spot the first sign – tooth grinding. Dentists can spot broken or worn tooth surfaces, or the receding gums that accompany grinding.
They will also notice a sudden spike in the number of cavities caused by the force of grinding your teeth.
If you find you wake up with a dry mouth, you have repeated sore throats, or headaches in the morning, mention it to your dentist.
While a dentist can’t diagnose sleep apnea, they can recommend you attend a sleep study.
How Do You Find The Right Dentist?
You may already have a great dental practice. But you want to see a dentist qualified in treating sleep apnea.
Look for a dentist who has passed American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) examination. They’ll display their credentials on their website and in their office. You can be sure they know how to treat sleep disorders.
Investigate the types of treatment they offer
A common treatment uses an oral appliance overnight. Some of these feed air directly into your mouth while others hold the mouth at the right angle.
Your dentist will examine your tongue, jaw, teeth and airway. If they feel an oral appliance will help, they’ll take an impression so they can make one to fit.
It’s vital that your appliance is custom made for you. Appliances bought online can’t be adjusted and aren’t meant for ‘one size fits all’ use.
Your dentist should also offer regular checkups to ensure the appliance is still suitable. An annual assessment is a great way to check your progress. Find out if these are offered as part of your care package.
Make sure your chosen dentist has reviews available. Look at David Satnick Dentistry as an example. The practice has a range of reviews from both Yelp and Facebook.
You’ll know that people just like you have faith in the dental practice. Ideally, the reviews won’t be anonymous so you know they’re genuine.
Don’t Suffer On Your Own
Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart failure, high blood pressure and strokes. You owe it to yourself and your family to seek treatment.
It’s our mission to make it easy to find high quality businesses in your area. Browse our site to find the perfect dentist for sleep apnea.