As a dentist, you may not initially think of sleep apnea screening as part of your job description. However, the truth is that sleep apnea can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness, and as a healthcare professional, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of sleep apnea and warning signs and risks associated with this condition.

First, it is important to understand what sleep apnea is and how it affects the body. So, what is sleep apnea exactly and how does it impact your patient’s lives? Sleep apnea, or OSA, is a well known sleep disorder that can cause a person to stop breathing for short, frequent periods of time during their sleep cycles. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, and can lead to a range of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. In addition, people with sleep apnea may be at increased risk for accidents and injuries due to sleep deprivation and fatigue.

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain factors can increase a person’s risk. For example, being overweight or obese, having a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, and drinking alcohol can all increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

As a dentist, you may be in a unique position to identify patients who may be at risk for sleep apnea. For example, if a patient complains of frequent headaches or daytime sleepiness, or exhibits signs of tooth grinding or clenching, these may be warning signs of sleep apnea. Since sleep apnea symptoms often start at the mouth, it goes to prove that dentists truly are in the best possible position to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea in their patients and provide the relief that they desperately need. 

In addition, certain dental treatments such as oral appliance therapy can be effective in treating sleep apnea. Oral appliances work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing the likelihood of breathing interruptions.

Ultimately, by screening for sleep apnea and referring patients for appropriate treatment, you can help improve their overall health and quality of life. In addition, by working closely with other healthcare professionals such as sleep specialists and physicians, you can ensure that patients receive comprehensive care for this condition.

Overall, sleep apnea screening should be an important part of every dentist’s practice. By being aware of the potential warning signs and risks associated with this condition, you can help ensure that your patients receive the care and support they need to maintain optimal health and wellness. 

If you aren’t sure where to start in implementing dental sleep medicine, Imagn Sleep and Ripple can help! Schedule a call with our knowledgeable staff today! So don’t hesitate to ask your patients about their sleep habits and symptoms, and consider incorporating sleep apnea screening into your routine dental exams. Your patients will thank you for it!