Tired All the Time? Ask Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea

Do you find yourself feeling tired throughout the day, no matter how much sleep you get? Do you wake up with headaches, dry mouth, or difficulty concentrating? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and impacts overall health.

While many people turn to their primary care physician or sleep specialists, you might be surprised to learn that your dentist can play a vital role in identifying and managing sleep apnea—and at Rockville Family Dental – Chetan H Parikh, DMD PA, we bring advanced expertise to help patients regain restful sleep and improved quality of life.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or hundreds of times per night.

There are two main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by blockage of the airway when throat muscles relax.
• Central Sleep Apnea: Less common, caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to muscles that control breathing.

OSA affects millions of Americans, yet many remain undiagnosed due to subtle or mistaken symptoms.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?

Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences beyond just feeling tired. When your breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, your body struggles to get enough oxygen, which can strain your heart and other organs.

Some risks include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness
• Poor concentration and memory problems

Getting proper diagnosis and treatment is essential to protect your long-term health.

Why See a Dentist About Sleep Apnea?

You might be wondering: “What does my dentist have to do with sleep apnea?”

Dentists like Dr. Chetan H Parikh at Rockville Family Dental are uniquely positioned to help because they:

• Regularly examine your mouth, jaw, and airway structures.
• Can spot signs such as a small jaw, enlarged tongue, or crowded airway that may contribute to OSA.
• Offer oral appliance therapy (OAT)—custom-made devices that keep your airway open during sleep.
• Collaborate closely with sleep physicians to coordinate care.

Many patients prefer oral appliances over traditional CPAP machines because they are smaller, quieter, and more comfortable to wear.

Common Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to ask your dentist about sleep apnea:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime fatigue or falling asleep during routine activities
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
• Mood changes such as irritability or depression
• High blood pressure or unexplained weight gain

Mention these symptoms during your next dental visit at Rockville Family Dental so Dr. Parikh can evaluate your risk and recommend further testing if needed.

What to Expect at Rockville Family Dental

At Rockville Family Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea care:

1. Detailed Evaluation: Dr. Parikh performs a thorough exam of your oral and airway structures, reviews your symptoms, and assesses your overall health.
2. Home Sleep Testing: If indicated, we can refer you for a home sleep apnea test—an easy and convenient way to confirm diagnosis.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan: Depending on your condition, treatment options may include oral appliances, lifestyle advice, or referral to a sleep specialist.
4. Custom Oral Appliances: Dr. Parikh designs and fits custom devices tailored to keep your airway open comfortably during sleep.
5. Ongoing Follow-Up: We monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed to ensure optimal results.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines.

Benefits include:

• Portability and ease of use
• Quiet operation
• No need for a mask or hoses
• Improved comfort and compliance
• Positive effects on sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall well-being

Many Rockville patients report significant improvements in energy and mood after starting oral appliance therapy.

Additional Tips for Managing Sleep Apnea

Alongside dental treatment, you can improve sleep apnea symptoms by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
• Quitting smoking
• Following a consistent sleep schedule

Rockville Family Dental can guide you on lifestyle adjustments that complement your dental therapy.

Don’t Let Fatigue Control Your Life

If you’re constantly tired, irritable, or just not feeling your best, don’t ignore the warning signs. Sleep apnea is a manageable condition that can greatly improve with proper care.

Trust the expertise of Rockville Family Dental – Chetan H Parikh, DMD PA. Our experience in sleep apnea diagnosis and oral appliance therapy means you get personalized, effective treatment close to home.

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today

Take the first step toward better sleep and better health. Contact Rockville Family Dental to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation with Dr. Parikh. Together, we can help you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.