Do you snore loudly, wake up feeling tired, or struggle with daytime fatigue? You may be one of millions living with sleep apnea — a serious condition that affects not only your sleep but also your overall health. What many people don’t realize is that your dentist may hold the key to effective treatment.
At Springhill Dental, we work closely with patients suffering from sleep apnea to offer safe, effective solutions — often without the need for bulky CPAP machines.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of breathing cessation and reinitiation during sleep. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the soft tissues in your throat collapse and block your airway during sleep.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Several factors contribute to the development of OSA:
- Relaxation of the throat muscles during sleep
- Obesity (extra soft tissue around the airway)
- Jaw structure or facial anatomy (small jaw, recessed chin)
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Aging and gender (more common in men and older adults)
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because people may not fully realize how disruptive their nighttime breathing is. Key symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime fatigue
Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
Mood changes, irritability, or depression
Decreased libido
Untreated sleep apnea can significantly increase the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Accidents caused by daytime drowsiness
The Dental Connection: How Springhill Dental Can Help
While sleep apnea is often diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnography), dentists play a crucial role in treatment, particularly for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Proven Solution
Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices worn during sleep. They work by:
- Gently repositioning the lower jaw forward
- Keeping the airway open
- Preventing soft tissue collapse in the throat
These appliances are small, comfortable, portable, and easy to maintain, making them an excellent alternative or complement to CPAP machines.
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and extensive clinical research (including the PMC study), oral appliance therapy is highly effective for many sleep apnea patients when properly fitted and monitored by a trained dental professional.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
✔ Quiet — no noisy machines
✔ Comfortable — custom-fit for your mouth
✔ Portable — ideal for travel
✔ Non-invasive — no surgery required
✔ Improves sleep quality
✔ Reduces snoring
✔ Supports cardiovascular health by reducing apnea episodes
The Importance of Customization
The CDA emphasizes that oral appliances must be professionally designed and monitored. Over-the-counter devices or ill-fitting appliances can worsen jaw alignment, create new dental issues, or fail to effectively control apnea.
At Springhill Dental, we:
-Perform a full assessment of your oral health, jaw structure, and sleep apnea diagnosis
-Take precise impressions to create a fully customized appliance
-Provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure effectiveness
-Collaborate with your sleep physician as needed
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
You may benefit from oral appliance therapy if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Cannot tolerate a CPAP machine
- Travel frequently
- Experience loud snoring and daytime fatigue
- Want a simple, non-invasive treatment option
A Team Approach to Your Health
At Springhill Dental, we understand that sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime problem — it affects your whole body. By working together with your medical providers, we ensure that you receive safe, comprehensive care for both your oral health and your sleep.
Don’t Ignore Sleep Apnea: We’re Here to Help
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but you don’t have to live with poor sleep and health risks. Oral appliance therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Contact Springhill Dental in The Pas today to schedule your consultation and discover how dental care can help you breathe and live better.
