Do you wake up feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring or periods when you stop breathing during the night? These could be signs of a condition called sleep apnea—a sleep disorder that disrupts your rest and can have serious effects on your overall health.
At Fairlington Dental in Arlington, VA, we specialize in recognizing the signs of sleep-disordered breathing and providing comfortable, non-invasive solutions that support healthier sleep. Understanding how dental health plays a role in your ability to sleep could be the missing piece in achieving long-term wellness.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. Each time this happens, your brain momentarily wakes you to resume breathing, often without your awareness.
Over time, these repeated interruptions take a toll on your body, leading to a cascade of symptoms and health complications.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Chronic, loud snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
- Difficulty focusing or memory problems
- Waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache
- Irritability, mood swings, or depression
- Insomnia or frequent nighttime waking
If any of these sound familiar, especially in combination, it’s time to explore the possibility of sleep apnea.
How Dental Anatomy Influences Sleep
You might be surprised to learn that many cases of sleep apnea are rooted in oral or jaw anatomy. The structure of your mouth and throat directly impacts how open your airway stays while you sleep. Dental-related contributors to sleep apnea include:
- A narrow dental arch or high palate
- Enlarged tonsils or tongue
- A recessed lower jaw
- Improper tongue posture
- Malocclusion (bite misalignment)
In many patients, these structural features can lead to airway collapse during sleep, which causes snoring and apnea episodes.
Our Integrative Dental Approach to Sleep Apnea
At Fairlington Dental, we use a holistic, airway-focused strategy to support better sleep without the need for bulky CPAP machines. Our services include:
1. Airway and Sleep Screenings
We conduct thorough evaluations that include digital imaging, patient history, and airway assessments to determine if oral factors are contributing to your sleep issues.
2. Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
These devices are worn at night and gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. They are more discreet and comfortable than traditional CPAP therapy.
3. Collaboration With Sleep Specialists
We work closely with sleep physicians to coordinate your diagnosis and treatment plan, ensuring you receive the most effective care possible.
4. Myofunctional Therapy
This involves a series of guided exercises designed to improve tongue posture and strengthen oral muscles to support long-term airway health.
5. Lifestyle and Nutritional Support
We may offer guidance on reducing inflammation, improving nasal breathing, and optimizing overall wellness as part of your care plan.
The Dangers of Ignoring Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious and even life-threatening health consequences:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
- Chronic fatigue and mental health decline
- Compromised immune function
Additionally, poor sleep affects every part of your life—from your productivity and energy levels to your mood and relationships.
Why Choose Fairlington Dental for Sleep Solutions?
Patients in Arlington, VA choose Fairlington Dental because of our expertise in whole-body wellness. We look beyond surface symptoms and use advanced tools and patient-focused care to create long-term improvements in both oral and overall health.
Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Live Better
You don’t have to live with the effects of poor sleep. Contact Fairlington Dental to schedule a comprehensive airway evaluation and find out how our dental solutions can help you sleep better and feel better every day.
Book your consultation today →
