Should You Get Treated for Sleep Apnea?

Posted on 9/1/2025 by Life Long Dental

Exhausted man lying under a blanket, looking fatigued due to poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. These breathing pauses can last for a few seconds to several minutes and can occur dozens of times a night. Sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling tired and irritable during the day. It can also increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, it is more common in adults who are overweight or obese, have a large neck circumference, smoke, or have a family history of sleep apnea. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Oral Health

Sleep apnea can also have a negative impact on your oral health. When you stop breathing during sleep, your mouth becomes dry, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, the vibrations from snoring can wear down your teeth. If you have sleep apnea, it is important to see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. You may also need to use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from wear and tear.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

There are a number of different treatment options available for sleep apnea. The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP uses a mask to deliver a steady stream of air into your airways while you sleep. This helps to keep your airways open and prevent pauses in breathing.

Other treatment options include oral appliances, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit over your teeth and help to keep your jaw in a position that opens your airways. Surgery is an option for people who have anatomical problems that contribute to sleep apnea, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils. Lifestyle changes that can help to improve sleep apnea include losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed.

Working with Your Dentist

If you have sleep apnea, it is important to work with your dentist to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your dentist can help you to choose the best treatment option and can monitor your progress. They can also help you to prevent oral health problems that can be caused by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can have a significant impact on your life. If you think you might have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor to get diagnosed and discuss treatment options. With proper treatment, you can improve your sleep and your overall health.

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Dental Blog - Silverdale, WA • Life Long Dental
Dr. Gillespie has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Life Long Dental is your dentist in Silverdale, WA.
Life Long Dental, 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383 • (360) 633-2377 • lifelongdental.com • 2/13/2026 • Associated Words: Dentist Silverdale WA •