SLEEP
A Good Night’s Sleep Starts with Healthy Breathing
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These pauses can lower oxygen levels and disrupt restorative sleep—even if you don’t fully wake up or remember it happening. Snoring is an indicator that you may have sleep Apnea.
An estimated 22 million people in the United States are affected by sleep apnea, many without realizing it. It is a serious condition.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Pausing in breathing or gasping
- Excessive daytime sleeping/fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Irritability and/or mood changes
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating
Why Sleep Apnea Matters
When left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to increased risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Headache Disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
- GERD (Gastric Reflux)
- Mood Disorders
- Periodontal (gum) disease due to chronic dry mouth
Quality sleep is essential to whole-body health. When breathing is compromised at night, it impacts far more than just energy levels.
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy
- Oral appliance therapy (custom-fitted dental device, worn at night)
- Weight management
- Myofunctional therapy (muscle training for the tongue and airway)
- In some cases, surgical intervention
The Role of Airway Dentistry
Airway dentistry focuses on how the structure and function of the mouth and jaw affect breathing—especially during sleep. Because Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by airway collapse, dentists trained in airway-focused care are uniquely positioned to identify risk factors and provide effective, non-invasive treatment options.
We evaluate jaw position, tongue posture, airway space, and oral health signs that may indicate compromised breathing during sleep.
How Do I Get Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms by either your physician or our dental team. If sleep apnea is suspected, we will refer you to receive a convenient at-home sleep study or an in-clinic sleep study with a sleep physician.
A board-certified sleep physician will interpret your results, determine whether sleep apnea is present, and assess its severity. Based on your diagnosis, they may recommend:
- CPAP therapy
- A custom dental oral appliance
- Or a combination of both
A dental oral appliance is a comfortable, custom-made device—similar to a mouthguard—that gently repositions the lower jaw to help maintain an open airway and promote uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.
Breathe Better. Sleep Deeper. Live Healthier.
If you suspect sleep apnea or struggle with snoring and poor sleep quality, our team is here to help guide you toward answers—and restful nights ahead.