When you think of general, family & cosmetic dentistry Houston, the first thoughts that come to mind might be cleanings, crowns, or maybe even teeth whitening. Yet, dentists play a bigger role in our overall health than we often realize. An important, yet frequently overlooked area they handle is sleep disorders. Yes, you read that right. Your dentist can help treat your sleep issues. In this blog, we delve into this unexpected connection. We explore how your local oral health expert might be the key to a good night’s sleep.
Identifying Sleep Disorders
Before we get into how dentists can help, let’s briefly discuss what sleep disorders are. They are conditions that disrupt your normal sleep patterns. The most common ones include sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring. These disorders can impact your daily functioning and overall health.
How Dentists Can Help
Dentists can identify signs of sleep disorders during routine check-ups. They may notice symptoms like teeth grinding or a narrow airway. Once a potential problem is spotted, they can refer you to a sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis.
Dental Sleep Medicine
Dental sleep medicine is a growing field. It focuses on the use of oral appliances to treat sleep disorders. For example, a common device used in treating sleep apnea is a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This gadget helps keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing apnea episodes.
Treating Sleep Disorders: Dentist vs Sleep Specialist
| DENTIST | SLEEP SPECIALIST | |
| Identification of symptoms | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Diagnosis | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Treatment | ✔️ (For some conditions) | ✔️ |
As you can see from the table, both dentists and sleep specialists have a role to play in treating sleep disorders. Remember, your dentist is more than just a tooth doctor. They are a key player in your overall health. If you’re battling sleep issues, consider talking to them at your next appointment. You might be surprised at how much they can help.