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Do I have sleep apnea? | Implants and Root Canals

Prevention and wellness

Do I have sleep apnea?

4 minute read Reviewed by Dr. Deepak Balani, DMD, PhD

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Many people who have it do not know, because it happens while they are asleep. Your dentist is sometimes the first to notice the signs. Here is what to look for.

Common signs

  • Loud, frequent snoring. Often noticed by a partner first.
  • Gasping or choking at night. Waking up short of breath.
  • Daytime tiredness. Feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed.
  • Morning headaches. Especially headaches that fade as the day goes on.
  • A dry mouth or sore throat. Waking up with one regularly.
  • Trouble concentrating. Feeling foggy or irritable during the day.

Why it matters

Interrupted breathing means interrupted sleep, and over time that affects much more than how rested you feel. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart problems, and a higher risk of accidents from drowsiness.

What your dentist may notice

During an exam, a dentist may spot signs linked to sleep problems, such as worn teeth from nighttime grinding, a large tongue or narrow airway, or a scalloped edge on the tongue. These signs do not confirm sleep apnea, but they are a reason to look further.

How sleep apnea is diagnosed

Only a physician can diagnose sleep apnea, usually with a sleep study done at a sleep center or at home. If you have signs, talk with your doctor about whether a sleep study makes sense for you.

Have symptoms right now?

Call our office and we will help you take the next step.

Call (603) 484-9595

Sleep apnea questions

If your question is not here, call us at (603) 484-9595.

Call (603) 484-9595 Schedule an appointment
No. Many people snore without having sleep apnea, but loud snoring with gasping, pauses in breathing, or daytime tiredness is worth checking.
No. A physician diagnoses it, usually with a sleep study. A dentist may notice related signs and suggest you look into it.
Grinding, worn teeth, and certain features of your mouth and airway can be linked to sleep problems. Asking helps us spot issues early.

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