How Your Dentist Can Help Identify Sleep Apnea

At Alexandra Park Dental in Leduc, we take a holistic approach to your oral health. Did you know that a dental checkup might reveal signs of sleep apnea? This common sleep disorder interrupts breathing during sleep and can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and memory problems. Here’s how we can help identify it early.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It affects people of all ages but is more common in adults, especially men and women aged 50–70. Symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Early detection is key to preventing long-term complications.

Signs Dentists Look For

Dentists often see clues that may indicate sleep apnea, including:

• Throat Inflammation: Chronic redness, swelling, or ulcerations in the throat and palate can signal interrupted breathing during sleep.
• Dry Mouth and Bad Breath: Repeated mouth breathing can reduce saliva, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of gum disease.
• Worn Tooth Surfaces: Grinding or clenching teeth at night (bruxism) is a common response to airway obstruction and can wear down tooth enamel.
• Scalloped Tongue: Wavy or notched edges on the tongue may indicate efforts to keep the airway open during sleep.
• Gum Recession: Dry mouth and bacterial growth associated with sleep apnea can lead to gum disease and receding gums.
• Increased Cavities: Reduced saliva and increased bacteria create an environment where cavities can thrive.

How We Screen for Sleep Apnea

During your visit, we’ll look for these signs and ask about symptoms like snoring, tiredness, or morning headaches.

Why It Matters

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because symptoms occur during sleep. Identifying potential signs during a dental exam can lead to early referral and intervention, helping prevent complications such as heart disease and stroke.

What You Can Do

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to us at your next appointment. We can help you take the first steps toward diagnosis and treatment, which may include working with a sleep specialist or using an oral appliance to improve nighttime breathing.

At Alexandra Park Dental, we’re dedicated to improving your health—one good night’s sleep at a time. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about sleep apnea and how we can help.