Oct 29, 2025

Sleep Apnea, the Silent Sleep Disorder That Could Be Harming Your Health

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep is supposed to be when your body rests, repairs, and recharges. For millions of people, their body is actually struggling for oxygen without them realizing it. This hidden condition is called sleep apnea, and it can have serious effects on your overall health if left untreated. At All Smiles Dentistry, we help patients uncover the real cause of poor sleep and fatigue – and treat it comfortably using a simple, non-invasive dental solution.

Sleep apnea happens when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. Each pause cuts off oxygen to your brain and body, often hundreds of times a night. You may not even know it’s happening – but your body does. Over time, the lack of oxygen leads to exhaustion, health problems, and faster aging.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea may be surprising. Most people think snoring is the only sign of sleep apnea, but there are many other symptoms that may seem unrelated to sleep. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth taking the Self Assessment to determine your risk level and determine if a Consultation is necessary.

  1. Loud snoring or gasping during sleep
  2. Waking up with headaches or dry mouth
  3. Feeling tired no matter how long you sleep
  4. Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  5. Mood swings, irritability, or depression
  6. Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
  7. Grinding or clenching your teeth
  8. High blood pressure that won’t respond to medication

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

When sleep apnea is left untreated, your body is deprived of oxygen every night. That ongoing stress can damage your organs and increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. The high cortisone levels dumped into the bloodstream during apnea events cause weight gain and can also promote type 2 diabetes. When the brain is starved of oxygen during the many times the airway is obstructed during sleep, it can cause memory problems and brain fog. The lack of healing and cleansing sleep also contributes to depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue.

What is the Best Treatment for You? CPAP vs Oral Appliance Therapy

The traditional treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. It uses a mask and air pressure to keep your airway open during sleep. While CPAP works well, many patients find it uncomfortable, noisy, and hard to travel with. Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, is a small, custom-fitted dental device that gently repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. It’s a comfortable, quiet and travel friendly option – and it’s approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.

Oral Appliances are comfortable and easy to wear. They produce no noise and have no hoses or bulky face masks that can aggravate claustrophobia. Oral appliances are easy to clean and do not pose any danger of harboring bacteria that can be inhaled. The only thing you have to do to get one, is have an at home sleep test that will be read by a board certified sleep doctor to achieve the diagnosis, then a digital scan done by a trained dentist in sleep apnea therapy, finally a custom made appliance can be made for you.

Take the Sleep Apnea Self-Assessment at Home

If you suspect sleep apnea, start by taking our Sleep Apnea Self-Assessment from the comfort of your own home. It;s quick, private, and could help you identify your risk before serious health problems develop. Better sleep means better health. Treating sleep apnea isn’t just about stopping snoring – it’s about protecting your heart, brain, and quality of life.

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today

If you’re ready to start sleeping better and living healthier, schedule a consultation at All Smiles Dentistry. We’ll help you understand your sleep health, explore treatment options, and get you on the path to restorative rest – without the noise and hassle of a CPAP machine.

author avatar
Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS
With 24 years of experience, Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS, delivers compassionate, advanced dental care to help patients achieve lasting healthy smiles.