At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we care about more than just your teeth—we care about your overall health. One area where dental care and sleep health intersect is in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you or your partner snores regularly, it might be more than just a nuisance—it could be a red flag for a serious health condition .
😴 What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing temporarily. These episodes may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, disrupting oxygen flow and degrading sleep quality .
🛌 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Snoring is often the first sign—but it’s not the only one. Watch for:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up tired despite a full night’s rest
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
Often, sleep apnea is discovered because a partner notices the pauses in breathing .
🦷 How Can a Dentist Help?
Many people don’t realize that a dentist may be the first person to spot the signs of sleep apnea. At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliance therapy—a quiet, comfortable alternative to the CPAP machine.
These custom-made mouthguards gently reposition your jaw to help keep your airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and apneic events .
📌 Related: Dental Sleep Medicine Services
👍 Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Non-invasive, unlike CPAP masks
- Travel-friendly and discreet
- No electricity or machine noise
- Often covered by medical insurance
If you’ve struggled with CPAP compliance or are looking for an alternative, oral appliances may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
💔 Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of driving or work accidents due to daytime drowsiness
Treatment can improve not only your sleep—but also your long-term heart and brain health .
📞 Ready to Sleep Better?
If you or someone you love snores or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, let’s talk.
📞 Call (972) 562-0767 or book your consultation online
Better sleep—and better health—could be just a dental visit away.
