How Sleep Apnea and Dental Health Are Closely Connected

By Dr. Cassia Braulio – Glen Erin Dental

Dear Patients,

If you or someone you love snores loudly, wakes up frequently during the night, or feels excessively tired during the day — it may not just be poor sleep. These could be signs of a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and your dentist may be one of the first professionals to help detect it.

As surprising as it sounds, your oral health and sleeping patterns are more connected than you might think.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night due to a blocked airway.

This blockage is often caused when the tongue or soft tissues at the back of the throat relax too much, collapsing and temporarily blocking airflow. These interruptions in breathing can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens — even hundreds — of times a night.

Untreated, OSA can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue

• Headaches and memory issues

• High blood pressure

• Increased risk for heart disease and stroke

• And yes — oral health complications too

The Dentist’s Role in Screening

At Glen Erin Dental, we look beyond just teeth and gums. Your mouth can hold important clues about your overall health — including signs of Sleep Apnea.

During your routine visits, we may notice indicators such as:

• A large tongue or high-arched palate

• Enlarged tonsils

• Signs of tooth grinding (bruxism), often linked to disturbed sleep

• Jaw alignment issues

• Reports of daytime fatigue or waking up with a dry mouth

While we do not diagnose Sleep Apnea, we take these signs seriously and refer you to a sleep physician for a formal assessment and diagnosis.

Treatment with a Custom Oral Appliance

If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA and find it difficult to tolerate CPAP therapy (a common sleep apnea treatment involving a mask and airflow machine), there is another effective solution: a custom oral appliance.

As a dentist, I’m trained to:

• Design and fit a personalized appliance that gently shifts your lower jaw forward

• Keep your airway open during sleep

• Reduce snoring and breathing interruptions

• Help you sleep more peacefully — and protect your oral health too

These appliances are comfortable, portable, quiet, and non-invasive, making them a popular choice for many patients.

A Healthier Smile and Restful Sleep Go Hand-in-Hand

If you suspect Sleep Apnea — or have already been diagnosed — I encourage you to talk to us about your options. Good sleep is essential for healing, concentration, immune health, and overall wellness — and as your dental care team, we’re here to support your health in every way possible.

We’re proud to be part of your multidisciplinary care team, helping you breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

Sleep well,
Dr. Cassia Braulio
Glen Erin DentalHow Sleep Apnea and Dental Health Are Closely Connected

By Dr. Cassia Braulio – Glen Erin Dental

Dear Patients,

If you or someone you love snores loudly, wakes up frequently during the night, or feels excessively tired during the day — it may not just be poor sleep. These could be signs of a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and your dentist may be one of the first professionals to help detect it.

As surprising as it sounds, your oral health and sleeping patterns are more connected than you might think.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night due to a blocked airway.

This blockage is often caused when the tongue or soft tissues at the back of the throat relax too much, collapsing and temporarily blocking airflow. These interruptions in breathing can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens — even hundreds — of times a night.

Untreated, OSA can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue

• Headaches and memory issues

• High blood pressure

• Increased risk for heart disease and stroke

• And yes — oral health complications too

The Dentist’s Role in Screening

At Glen Erin Dental, we look beyond just teeth and gums. Your mouth can hold important clues about your overall health — including signs of Sleep Apnea.

During your routine visits, we may notice indicators such as:

• A large tongue or high-arched palate

• Enlarged tonsils

• Signs of tooth grinding (bruxism), often linked to disturbed sleep

• Jaw alignment issues

• Reports of daytime fatigue or waking up with a dry mouth

While we do not diagnose Sleep Apnea, we take these signs seriously and refer you to a sleep physician for a formal assessment and diagnosis.

Treatment with a Custom Oral Appliance

If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA and find it difficult to tolerate CPAP therapy (a common sleep apnea treatment involving a mask and airflow machine), there is another effective solution: a custom oral appliance.

As a dentist, I’m trained to:

• Design and fit a personalized appliance that gently shifts your lower jaw forward

• Keep your airway open during sleep

• Reduce snoring and breathing interruptions

• Help you sleep more peacefully — and protect your oral health too

These appliances are comfortable, portable, quiet, and non-invasive, making them a popular choice for many patients.

A Healthier Smile and Restful Sleep Go Hand-in-Hand

If you suspect Sleep Apnea — or have already been diagnosed — I encourage you to talk to us about your options. Good sleep is essential for healing, concentration, immune health, and overall wellness — and as your dental care team, we’re here to support your health in every way possible.

We’re proud to be part of your multidisciplinary care team, helping you breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

Sleep well,
Dr. Cassia Braulio
Glen Erin Dental