Snoring is often treated as a bit of a joke. It’s the stuff of sitcom punchlines and grumpy partners stealing the done to sleep on the couch. But sometimes snoring is more than just a noisy habit, and the first clues can turn up somewhere you might not expect: the dental chair. As a Taylors Lakes dentist, we regularly spot small signs in the mouth that can point to a bigger issue with how someone is breathing at night. One of the conditions linked to those signs is sleep apnoea.
Snoring vs Sleep Apnoea: What’s the Difference?
Snoring occurs due to the restricted flow of air in the throat caused by vibrations in the tissues as they relax. Snoring is a common occurrence amongst many people whenever they have colds, have drunk a bit too much, or are exhausted.
Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a condition in which the airways narrow down or close momentarily, resulting in interruptions in breathing. In such cases, the brain alerts the body to resume breathing by awakening the patient; however, most patients are oblivious of this occurrence since the awakenings are momentary.
As such, whilst not all people who snore have sleep apnea, constant snoring is a symptom of the condition.
Why Could a Dentist Identify It?
It might appear a bit odd that your dentist can diagnose an issue associated with sleeping problems; however, take into account that we spend a lot of time examining your mouth and throat area. Some of the things we look out for can be a telltale sign of the condition.
Worn or flattened teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) has been linked with sleep apnoea in some people. If your teeth are showing signs of wear, chips or flattening, it may prompt a conversation about how you’re sleeping.
A scalloped tongue
Sometimes the edges of the tongue have little wavy indentations from pressing against the teeth. This can happen when the tongue is large relative to the space in the mouth, which may be associated with a narrower airway.
The shape of your jaw and mouth
A smaller or set-back lower jaw, a high, narrow palate, or a crowded space at the back of the throat can all affect how much room there is for air to flow.
Large tonsils or a red, irritated throat
These can sometimes be a sign of airway issues, particularly in children.
Dry mouth
Breathing through your mouth at night often leaves people waking up with a parched mouth. Over time, this can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
None of these signs mean you definitely have sleep apnea. But when a few of them show up together, it’s worth paying attention.
Signs to Watch for at Home
Your dentist only sees part of the picture. You, or the person sleeping next to you, may notice other signs, like:
- Loud, regular snoring
- Pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking up with a headache or a dry mouth
- Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep
- Dozing off during the day, especially while driving or watching TV
- Trouble concentrating, irritability or low mood
- Needing to get up to go to the toilet a lot at night
If your partner has ever said, “You stopped breathing for a second there,” that’s worth taking seriously.
Why It Matters
Poor-quality sleep doesn’t just leave you tired. Untreated sleep apnoea has been associated with a range of health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart problems and type 2 diabetes. Daytime sleepiness can also raise the risk of accidents, on the road and at work.
The good news is that sleep apnea can be diagnosed and managed.
What Happens Next?
If your dentist notices signs that could point to a sleep issue, they’ll usually suggest you see your GP. Sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed by a doctor, often with a sleep study, which may be done at home or in a sleep clinic.
Possible treatments may depend on the severity of the problem:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), where a machine maintains a steady airflow into the throat, keeping the airways open throughout the night;
An oral appliance, such as a mandibular advancement splint, is custom-fitted by a dentist and gently pushes the lower jaw forward. It is considered a treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and/or snoring, following a medical consultation.
Lifestyle changes, like weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and changing sleeping posture.
Depending on your specific condition, one of these solutions might work best, and usually involves your general practitioner, sleep physician, and dentist.
Children Who Snore
Children can also experience snoring, especially when it is associated with enlarged tonsils or adenoids. If your kid is snoring frequently, breathes through his/her mouth, is restless when sleeping, and tired/irritable during the daytime, you should let the GP know about it.
Conclusion
Snoring is not always a harmless phenomenon. In case you notice any symptoms listed above, you had better speak to your GP about it. Don’t be surprised if your dentist addresses this issue during the next appointment.
