Trouble sleeping? Your dentist may be able to help you

Why do so many patients with snoring problems also grind their teeth? And why do older patients who sleep without dentures often wake up gasping for air? Why do so many people put a glass of water next to their bed and still wake up with a dry mouth? Their dentists may have answers to some of these questions.

Francisco, a patient from my dental practice, is in my memory. A charming 30-year-old, he was a regular visitor due to frequent dental emergencies. His teeth were ground down to stubs and broke constantly. He complained of low energy, persistent morning headaches and felt worse when he woke up than when he went to bed. Suspecting sleep apnea, I referred him for a sleep study, hoping to break the cycle of sleepless nights and recurring dental problems.

From Francisco and countless other patients, I have learned that dentists can play a crucial role in helping people sleep better.

Dentists often notice signs of sleep problems

Dentists are in a unique position to detect early signs of sleep disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. With regular check-ups every three to six months, we build a relationship of trust with our patients, giving us insight into their situation overall health.

Take Francisco for example. He continued to come in with persistent jaw pain, morning headaches and complaints of dry mouth, unaware that these might be related to his dental health. His family constantly talked about his loud snoring, but he didn’t associate it with a deeper problem. His visits consistently reveal tight jaw muscles, clenching and enamel erosion – major indicators of acid refluxa condition often linked to obstructive sleep apnea.

Studies reveal one strong connection between teeth grinding (bruxism) and obstructive sleep apnea. Nearly three-quarters of people who grind their teeth also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, while half of those with sleep apnea also suffer from bruxism. This demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between the conditions, highlighting the need to address both when treating patients.

Dr. Steven Lamberg, author of Treat the cause, treat the respiratory tract, emphasizes that “dentists are often the first to notice these symptoms, even before patients realize there is a problem.”

Although dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnea, we can work with physicians to identify and treat the condition. We can screen for sleep apnea and refer patients to sleep specialists with questionnaires, apps or wearable gadgets. Dentists certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine can create custom oral appliances alternative to CPAP therapy for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea. These devices move the jaw to keep the airways open during sleep.

“All my patients who come to the office for dental care complete a sleep questionnaire,” says Dr. David Federici, diplomat of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Sleep problems in children

Sleep apnea is not just a problem for adults. All around 1-5% of children have sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Dentists can notice several signs in children that indicate possible sleep or respiratory problems. These include an arched palate, which can lead to a narrower dental arch and result in crowded teeth. Symptoms such as snoring, mouth breathing and a constant open lip position are common symptoms. In addition, excessive energy, sometimes misdiagnosed as attention deficit hyperactivity disorderand poor growth could indicate underlying sleep-related problems.

Dr. Joseph Gaudio, author of Your child and sleep disorders with breathing, notes that “dentists play a critical role in recognizing these symptoms early, helping children avoid lifelong consequences.”

Try these five simple strategies to improve your sleep quality

1. Focus on promoting nasal breathing. Breathe through the nose is essential for a good night’s sleep, while mouth breathing can lead to fatigue and sleep interruptions. To promote nasal breathing, clean your nasal passages before going to bed using a saline solution, apply moisturizing nose creams, and consider placing tape over your mouth during sleep, starting with daytime use. Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to relax and recharge.

2. Improve your sleep hygiene by investing in a supportive pillow which properly aligns your neck and head, ensuring better posture during sleep.

3. Keep your room temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to help cool your body at night.

4. Limit exposure to blue light at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, which is essential for sleep. Instead, choose red or orange light to promote relaxation.

5. Exposure to light in the morning for 10 minutes can also help adjust to your circadian rhythm. This helps reset your internal clock and prepares your body for the day ahead. Molly Eastman, sleep coach with the Sleep is a Skill program, emphasizes the importance of living a life in sync with sunlight cycles: “Bright blue light in the morning energizes us, while the warm red tones of sunset prepare us for sleep .”

By identifying sleep-disordered breathing, working with medical specialists and guiding patients toward better habits, dentists do much more than just fix teeth: they enable patients to live healthier, more energetic lives.

Francisco’s story had a happy ending. After his sleep apnea was treated, we repaired his damaged teeth and he woke up feeling refreshed, giving him back the energy for his morning walks. His story is just one of many that highlight the crucial role dentists play in solving the mystery of poor sleep.