Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea affect more than half of Americans at some point in their lives. Many cases go undiagnosed, but dentists can play an important role in reducing those numbers. There are several key indicators that dental clinicians look for during examinations, including enlarged jaw muscles, scalloped tongue edges, white lines on the cheeks, restricted visibility of the throat, dental wear patterns and tiny cracks on teeth.
These physical signs, combined with patient history, can help dentists identify at-risk patients for sleep apnea.
Another sign of concern is bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding. Recent studies suggest teeth grinding is often a symptom of underlying sleep issues rather than a standalone problem caused by dental misalignment.
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39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.