23 Aug 2021
Dentist Newington CT

Top Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Risks | Dentist in 06111

Sleep apnea is a condition that can disrupt your sleep, and if it's not treated, it can lead to serious health consequences. Many people with sleep apnea don't even know they have it because the symptoms are often mild or non-existent. For those with more severe obstructive sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend dental treatment. 

Dentists with expertise in sleep medicine can help control snoring and breathing problems during the night. East Cedar Dental has been assisting patients in getting back on track for years with our solutions tailored for those suffering from sleep apnea!

sleep apnea Newington CT


Can Dental Problems Cause Sleep Apnea?


Yes! Dental problems can cause sleep apnea. If your teeth are not healthy, they may be causing an issue with your airway. This could lead to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops during sleep for 10 seconds or more. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S., including children and adults of all ages, races, and ethnicities. 

People who have untreated OSA often experience:

  • Daytime fatigue

  • Mood changes  

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Trouble concentrating at work or school

  • Weight gain 

  • High blood pressure

  • Excessive thirstiness

  • Dental decay

  • Gum disease


We want everyone to live their best life possible, which includes getting enough quality rest each night. That’s why we offer free consultations for people suffering from OSA symptoms such as snoring and difficulty breathing while sleeping.

sleep apnea symptoms Newington CT


Can Your Dentist Tell if You Have OSA?


It has been reported that dentists are increasingly detecting sleep apnea from a person's oral health. A dentist might notice that the person grinds his or her teeth as a result of breathing difficulties. People with untreated sleep apnea often have morning headaches and sore jaws. This reflects the associated teeth grinding during sleep and clenching of jaw muscles during REM periods to compensate for reduced airflow. 

Sleep apnea can show up in dental records if the patient has been tested for it. Patients with dental sleep medicine procedures done to them may notice that their oral health has improved. If you think you might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with our qualified dentists at EastCedarDental.com today! Based on your medical history and dental exam results, they will determine what kind of dental treatment is right for you.

How Do Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea?


Dentists treat sleep apnea by fitting a mouth guard to the patient and using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. CPAP is a machine that fits your head or face like a mask, and it has a hose and nosepiece. The machine uses compressed air to keep the air passage open—the device also aids breathing by delivering enough air pressure into the lungs during natural sleep. 

symptoms of sleep apnea Newington CT


Can You Go Under Anesthesia if You Have Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea has in recent years become a more recognized medical issue in the healthcare community. Even though most people know about sleep apnea, it is your responsibility to tell the anesthesiologist that you have OSA. Make sure you tell the surgical team your prescribed pressure. While in the recovery room, you may need to use your CPAP to wake up smoothly. Just remember always to tell your healthcare provider. 

How Do I Find The Right Care?


The dental team at East Cedar Dental is committed to treating all of our dental patients with sleep apnea. We offer a range of gentle dental treatments designed for people who have OSA, and we work closely with your physician or respiratory therapist to give you the care you need. 

Our dentists will assess which dental procedures may be safe for those with obstructive sleep apnea to not worsen their symptoms. This includes oral hygiene services such as:

  • Teeth cleaning

  • Examination without the use of anesthesia if necessary

  • Consultation on dental appliances like nightguards that can help prevent damage due to grinding teeth


If you suspect that you might be experiencing OSA symptoms, please call our office today to make an appointment! East Cedar Dental offers the dental care you need in Newington, CT!
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