Sleep Apnea: More than Just Snoring
Has your spouse ever nudged you in the middle of the night? Have you been relegated to the couch during a family vacation? Snoring is one of those things that we tend to laugh off, but the truth is, it can be a red flag for something more serious—sleep apnea.
As a dentist, I see every day how sleep and oral health are connected. And since sleep apnea is often overlooked or misunderstood, I want to share what I’ve learned and what I look for when helping my patients.
By Dr. Stephanie Vera, DDS
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear this up first. Snoring alone does not mean you have sleep apnea. Lots of people snore from time to time—whether it’s due to allergies, sleeping on their back, or even having an extra glass of wine before bed.
But sleep apnea is different. With sleep apnea, your airway actually becomes blocked or collapses while you sleep. That blockage cuts off your oxygen supply, and your brain has to “wake you up” to get you breathing again. You usually don’t remember these little wake-ups, but they can happen dozens—even hundreds—of times a night.
So while you may think you got your 7–8 hours, your sleep was anything but restful. Sleep apnea impacts your whole body and overall health.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
How do you know if you’re just snoring or dealing with sleep apnea? Here are some red flags to look out for:
Loud, chronic snoring (especially if it’s punctuated by choking or gasping)
Pauses in breathing while you sleep (usually noticed by a partner)
Morning headaches or sore throat
Dry mouth when you wake up
Daytime fatigue, no matter how long you slept (you may even take a daytime nap)
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Mood swings, irritability, or even depression
Medical conditions such as: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and kidney disease
Why Sleep Apnea Matters for Your Health
Why Sleep Apnea Matters for Your Health
Sleep apnea isn’t just about being tired. Untreated, it can have serious effects on your health:
Cardiovascular issues: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
Metabolic concerns: Diabetes and obesity
Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and increased irritability
Oral health: Increased number of cavities, gum disease, teeth grinding (leading to enamel wear and jaw pain)
Everyday risks: Memory decline, difficulty in decision making and problem solving, increase in car accidents, reduced vocabulary and speech clarity
Who’s at Risk?
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain factors make it more likely. People who are overweight, men over the age of 40, smokers, and those with high blood pressure are all at higher risk. That said, I've seen women, younger adults, and even children with sleep apnea too—so don’t assume you’re in the clear.
How Sleep Apnea Is Treated
The “gold standard” treatment for sleep apnea has long been the CPAP machine, which keeps your airway open by blowing continuous air pressure through a mask. For some patients, CPAP is lifesaving. But here’s the catch: it can also feel bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable, and a lot of people stop using it.
That’s where dentistry comes in. For mild to moderate cases, a custom oral appliance can be a fantastic alternative. It looks a lot like a sports mouth guard, but it gently repositions your jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. Patients often tell me they love how comfortable, discreet, and travel-friendly these appliances are compared to CPAP.
In more severe cases, a combination of CPAP and oral appliance therapy may be recommended. The key is finding a treatment that you’ll actually stick with—because consistency is what keeps you healthy.
Small Changes That May Help
While treatment is essential, there are also lifestyle changes that can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality:
Avoid alcohol close to bedtime
Sleep on your side instead of your back
Use a pillow to keep your head slightly elevated
Reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise
Treat allergies or sinus issues that may be blocking airflow
Stick to a regular sleep schedule so your body gets the rest it needs
Snoring might seem like nothing more than a nightly annoyance, but it can also be your body’s way of signaling something much bigger. Sleep apnea is serious—but it’s also treatable. And the sooner you address it, the sooner you’ll not only sleep better but also protect your heart, mind, and smile.
If you or a loved one struggles with snoring or shows signs of sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and let’s get to the bottom of it! We want to help you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day with a smile!
Dr. Stephanie Vera is a general dentist practicing in Murphy, Texas. She is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry and believes education and prevention are essential to a happy, healthy smile.
