This might come as a surprise, but your dentist is often the first medical professional to spot signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during your regular checkup. While you’re focused on cavity prevention and keeping your smile bright, your dentist is actually examining clues that could reveal whether you’re getting quality sleep at night. The mouth and throat hold hidden secrets about your sleep patterns, and dentists are uniquely positioned to identify the telltale signs that something more serious than snoring might be happening.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, our team looks beyond just your teeth and gums. We examine the bigger picture of your oral health and how it applies to your overall well-being. Dr. Laura Sharbash, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, brings advanced training in sleep disorders to every patient evaluation, combining routine dental care with comprehensive sleep health screening.
Signs of OSA in Your Mouth
According to the American Medical Association, about 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition. During your dental examination, several oral indicators can suggest OSA. Your dentist will look for signs like teeth grinding marks, also called bruxism, which often occurs when your body struggles to maintain proper airflow during sleep. Worn tooth surfaces, especially on the back teeth, can indicate nighttime grinding that patients often do not recall happening.
The size and position of your tongue also provide valuable diagnostic information. A large tongue or one that sits low in your mouth can contribute to airway blockage during sleep. Your dentist will analyze the size of your tongue relative to your mouth and note any scalloped edges along the sides, which suggest that the tongue is pressing against your teeth due to restricted space.
Beyond the Obvious Signs
During routine cleanings, your dentist examines your throat and soft palate for signs of inflammation or enlargement that could narrow your breathing passages. A red, inflamed throat might indicate snoring, while an elongated soft palate or enlarged tonsils can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.
The positioning of your jaw also plays a crucial role in airway health. A receding lower jaw or narrow upper jaw can create less space for your tongue and airway structures. Your dentist will review your bite and jaw alignment, noting how these factors might impact your breathing during sleep.
Dry mouth symptoms often accompany OSA because mouth breathing becomes necessary when nasal passages or throat structures block normal airflow. Your dentist will ask about morning dry mouth, frequent nighttime urination, or waking up with a sore throat, as these symptoms can indicate disrupted sleep patterns.
The Diagnostic Process
If your dentist suspects OSA, they may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. However, they can also use screening questionnaires and take detailed medical histories to assess your risk factors. Questions about your sleep quality, partner observations of snoring or breathing interruptions, and daytime fatigue levels help paint a complete picture.
We sometimes use three-dimensional imaging to evaluate airway dimensions and identify anatomical factors contributing to breathing difficulties. This technology allows dentists to see the relationship between jaw position, tongue placement, and available airway space more clearly than traditional examination methods alone.
Your dentist might photograph your throat or use measuring tools to document the size of airway structures. These baseline measurements help track changes over time and provide valuable information to sleep medicine physicians if a referral becomes necessary.
Treatment Options
Once OSA is diagnosed, your dentist becomes an integral part of your treatment team. Many patients benefit from oral appliance therapy, which uses custom-fitted devices worn during sleep to maintain proper jaw positioning and keep airways open.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we work closely with sleep medicine physicians to ensure comprehensive care. We also coordinate with other healthcare providers to address related issues like high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns that often accompany untreated OSA. This integrative approach ensures that you receive the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Newport Beach Dental Center’s Comprehensive Sleep Health Approach
Dr. Laura Sharbash combines her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry with advanced training as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine to provide thorough sleep health evaluations. Her dual perspective as both a general dentist and a qualified sleep dentist means she can identify potential issues during routine care and provide effective treatment solutions. Dr. Sharbash’s recognition as one of the “10 Dentists to Watch” by AGD Impact reflects her commitment to staying current with the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
Our practice takes a personalized approach to each patient’s sleep health concerns, combining careful examination with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to create the most accurate assessment possible. We understand that quality sleep affects every aspect of your health, from your immune system to your mental well-being, and we’re committed to helping you achieve the restful nights you deserve. To schedule your comprehensive evaluation, call us at (949) 760-9212 or contact our office to learn more about our sleep health services.
