What is Sleep Apnea? Can a Dentist Help?

Many patients are surprised when sleep apnea is discussed during a dental visit. After all, sleep disorders don’t seem like something you’d expect to come up while sitting in a dental chair. What most people don’t know is that sleep apnea is closely connected to oral anatomy, airway structure, and overall wellness. Dentists often recognize potential oral and anatomical indicators that may suggest increased risk and support timely referral to a medical provider as part of a patient’s overall care team. Oral health and overall wellness are, believe it or not, intricately connected.

Before diving in, it’s important to be clear: this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you are experiencing trouble breathing, waking up gasping for air, or suffering from severe daytime fatigue, you should seek medical attention immediately. A physician or sleep specialist is always responsible for diagnosing sleep apnea.

So, what is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder marked by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. These breathing pauses can occur dozens of times per hour and often lead to brief awakenings that disrupt normal sleep cycles, even if the person has no memory of waking. According to major medical organizations, these repeated disruptions prevent the body from reaching restorative stages of sleep and place ongoing stress on vital organs.

Why is Sleep Apnea treatment important?

Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been associated with serious health consequences. Research summarized by the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health links sleep apnea to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and impaired cognitive function. This is why sleep apnea is recognized as a medical condition that affects the entire body, not simply a nighttime breathing issue.

What are symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

One of the challenges with sleep apnea is that many symptoms occur while a person is asleep. Loud, chronic snoring is one of the most recognizable signs, particularly when it is accompanied by pauses in breathing, choking sounds, or gasping for air. During the day, patients may notice excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, morning headaches, dry mouth, or a persistent feeling that sleep was not refreshing.

Dentists often notice additional oral signs that may be associated with sleep apnea, including teeth grinding, scalloped tongue edges, jaw strain, and chronic dry mouth. While these findings alone do not diagnose sleep apnea, they can indicate elevated risk and prompt a referral for medical evaluation.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Dentists do not diagnose sleep apnea, and we do not replace medical providers. However, because dental exams involve close evaluation of the jaw, tongue, soft tissues, and bite alignment, dentists are well positioned to identify anatomical risk factors related to airway obstruction. When these findings align with patient-reported symptoms, dentists can help guide patients toward appropriate medical care.

This reflects dentistry’s role as part of a whole wellness team. Oral health does not exist in isolation, and sleep apnea is a clear example of how airway anatomy and dental structures influence overall health. Collaboration between dentists and physicians helps ensure patients receive coordinated, comprehensive care.

For patients who have received a physician-confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, dentists may provide oral appliance therapy as part of an approved treatment plan. These custom dental appliances are worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the lower jaw to help keep the airway open. The American Dental Association recognizes oral appliance therapy as an evidence-based treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those with mild to moderate cases or who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

If you are experiencing breathing difficulties, nighttime choking, or extreme fatigue, do not delay seeking medical care. Remember, this article is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Dentists are proud to support patients as part of a broader healthcare team, helping connect oral health with better sleep and overall wellness.

The team at Makowski Dental has training and experience in providing oral appliance therapy for patients with physician-diagnosed sleep apnea and in coordinating care with medical providers when concerns are identified. In fact, Dr. Makowski is a recognized, qualified dentist by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Experience the Makowski Dental difference by scheduling an appointment with our team, conveniently located in the Highline Centre in Denver, CO. Not sure if you have sleep apnea symptoms? Take our quiz to assess your risk of sleep apnea.

Sources:

1.       American Dental Association. (2023). Sleep apnea (obstructive).  https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/sleep-apnea-obstructive

2.       Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025). Sleep apnea – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090

3.       National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024). Sleep apnea. NIH.  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea

4.       American Medical Association. (2023). What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea.  https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea