Sleep & Oral Health Education
Sleep Apnea & Snoring: Dental Considerations
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes restricted during sleep. Diagnosis is made through medical evaluation and appropriate sleep testing.
Common warning signs
Loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness can be reasons to discuss sleep apnea with a physician.
Dentistry can be part of coordinated care
Dentists may recognize oral or anatomic findings associated with sleep-disordered breathing. For some adults with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may be considered in coordination with medical care.
Medical diagnosis comes first
This educational page does not diagnose sleep apnea or state that Willowdale provides sleep-medicine treatment. If you suspect sleep apnea, talk with your physician or sleep specialist and ask Willowdale how dental care may fit into the plan.
Individual care matters: Treatment recommendations depend on an examination, health history, diagnosis, and individual needs. Call the office to discuss whether evaluation, treatment, or referral is appropriate.
Have a question about this topic?
Call Willowdale Family Dentistry or request an appointment to discuss your concern.

