Can snoring be treated by a dentist?

Can snoring be treated by a dentist

A dentist may treat some snoring with a custom oral appliance, but sleep apnea should be ruled out first. Snoring can be harmless vibration, yet it can also be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Because untreated sleep apnea carries medical risks, diagnosis usually comes before a dental snoring appliance.

A snoring appliance often resembles a mandibular advancement device because it brings the lower jaw forward to reduce airway vibration. The problem is that quieter snoring does not always mean breathing is safe throughout the night. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses, gasping, morning headaches, high blood pressure, or daytime sleepiness should prompt medical screening. A sleep physician or qualified medical provider can order home or lab sleep testing when indicated. If testing shows primary snoring without sleep apnea, a dentist can evaluate whether your teeth, gums, and jaw can support an appliance. If testing shows OSA, the appliance plan should be coordinated with your physician and monitored for effectiveness.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea?

Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

Key Points

• Snoring should not be treated casually when sleep-apnea signs are present.
• A sleep study may be needed before a dental appliance is made.
• Oral appliances can reduce snoring for some properly selected patients.
• Less noise does not guarantee that oxygen levels and breathing events are normal.
• Medical and dental follow-up are both important when OSA is diagnosed.

What This Means for You

If a partner reports pauses, choking, or gasping, ask about sleep testing before shopping for a mouthguard. A dentist can be part of the solution, but the first step is knowing whether snoring is only snoring.

Related Reading: How do you know if you have sleep apnea?  |  Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?  |  What is a mandibular advancement device?