Sleep apnea (SA) is a common sleep condition that may significantly impact dental health in affected patients. Thus, teeth grinding – a symptom of SA – may lead to enamel corrosion and molar fracturing, sometimes requiring emergency help.

Still, dentists, considering the specifics of their work, have access to parts of patients that may indicate sleep apnea presence, after which specialists may help manage the condition.

While mouthguards are the most typical solution for managing SA symptoms, according to Dr. Maria Sokolina, founder of Harmony Dental Arts company, these tools may be the easiest but not the most effective way to help people with SA.

In the article for Dental Economics, she shared some insights about how to detect and treat this condition based on her extensive practical experience in dental sleep medicine.

1. Proper diagnostic

Dentists can effectively determine whether patients have sleep apnea by observing oral markers. Dr. Sokolina recommends using the NESTS acronym, which stands for: " narrow arches; enlarged tonsils/adenoids; soft palate elongated/uvula swollen from snoring; tethered oral tissues such as frenum; and scalloped tongue."

This checklist allows dentists to effectively detect potential airway issues that may be linked to sleep apnea.

2. Possible solutions

Usually, the next step is prescribing mouthguards – special tools that protect patients from bruxism and TMJ pain. Still, this solution does not solve the root of the problem: recent research identifies blocking airways as the leading cause of teeth-grinding. Mouthguards, in turn, may block the airways during the night, aggravating the condition.

Instead, oral appliance therapy may help in that situation. This approach helps move the jaw into a more forward position, opening the problematic airways that may help manage sleep apnea symptoms.

3. Collaboration and education

Unfortunately, it's hard for dentists to diagnose sleep apnea without the help of other physicians. Thus, if you work in a hospital or general clinic, you should establish communication with physicians specialized in sleep disorders.

Additionally, if you want to improve your qualifications, you may pass the American Academy of Sleep Medicine course to learn how to properly diagnose and manage such conditions.

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