By: Mark T. Murphy, DDS
This article originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Murphy granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
Dentists are in a unique position to recognize the critical role sleep plays in systemic health. Research has confirmed that untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Premature mortality
With more consumer wearables tracking sleep than ever before, patients are becoming more aware of their sleep health.
This growing interest presents an opportunity for dental professionals to lead the conversation on sleep apnea treatment.
The Science of Sleep Health and Performance in Professional Sports
Years ago, a major league baseball team pioneered the use of a sleep monitoring device to improve player performance. Today, nearly every professional sports team across:
- Baseball
- Football
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Golf
Closely monitors their athletes’ sleep patterns, quality, and recovery cycles.
Key Metric: Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
One key metric they track is heart rate variability (HRV), which provides insights into:
- An athlete’s ability to train at peak intensity
- Whether they need more recovery time
These sleep health data-driven decisions help athletes optimize their performance and longevity.
The Takeaway
Sleep health isn’t just about feeling well-rested; it’s a critical component of:
- Systemic health
- Resilience
If elite athletes use sleep science to gain a competitive edge, why shouldn’t our patients harness dental sleep medicine insights to protect their long-term health?
The Critical Risks of Sleep Apnea
The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, a well-documented 20-year longitudinal study, revealed that individuals with severe sleep apnea had significantly lower survival rates than those without sleep disorders.
While no one dies directly from sleep apnea—unless they are so tired that they have a fatal accident—the long-term effects of sleep apnea contribute to major systemic health issues.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts the Body
Sleep apnea-related oxygen deprivation:
- Increases inflammation
- Disrupts metabolic function
- Places excessive strain on the heart
Patients with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from:
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Complications from conditions like diabetes
As awareness grows, more patients are seeking answers, but they don’t always know where to start. This is where dentists can make a difference.
Consumer Wearables and the Rise of Sleep Awareness
Just as sports teams use sleep monitoring for peak performance, the general population is beginning to do the same.
Consumer wearables like the Apple Watch now provide sleep data, giving individuals real-time insights into:
- Sleep quality
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate variability
Why This Matters
This trend is a game-changer. Patients are already coming into dental practices with concerns about sleep, armed with data from their devices.
Many of them may not even realize that dentists play a role in sleep apnea treatment. By engaging in these conversations, dental professionals can guide patients toward:
- Proper screening
- Diagnosis
- Treatment options
While wearables can’t replace clinical diagnosis, they provide an entry point—an opportunity for education and early intervention.
Dentistry’s Expanding Role in Sleep Health
As dentists, we have room for improvement in sleep apnea screening according to many published studies.
- 76% of general dentists reported screening for obstructive sleep apnea; however, most of these dentists screen fewer than 70% of their patients, and many expressed a lack of confidence in their screening ability.
- The latest survey in the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine in 2023 found that 44% of dentists do not screen for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and 40% of respondents wanted to learn how to assess sleep-disordered breathing.
The Airway Is Our Domain
The connection between dentistry and sleep apnea is clear: the airway is our domain.
As dentists, we routinely observe anatomical signs that indicate possible sleep-disordered breathing such as:
- Tongue position
- Narrow arches
- Excessive tooth wear from nocturnal bruxism
By identifying at-risk patients, we can help them take the next step toward diagnosis and treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is emerging as a preferred treatment option for many patients, offering an effective and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy.
How It Works
Mandibular advancement devices:
- Help keep the airway open
- Reduce the risk of oxygen desaturation
- Improve sleep quality
Unlike CPAP machines, which many patients struggle to tolerate, oral appliances are:
- Discreet
- Easy to use
- Designed for long-term compliance
Collaboration and the Future of Dental Sleep Medicine
As the field of dental sleep medicine continues to evolve, dentists have a growing opportunity to collaborate with:
- Sleep physicians
- Medical professionals
By embracing a sleep-focused approach to patient care, we’re not just treating teeth—we’re helping patients:
- Breathe better
- Sleep better
- Live longer
Bringing the Future of Sleep Science into Dentistry
The future of dental sleep medicine isn’t just in hospitals or sleep labs. It’s in everyday health monitoring—from the sports arena to the dental chair.
As sleep monitoring technology becomes more sophisticated, awareness of sleep apnea will continue to rise. Patients are increasingly looking for solutions that are:
- Effective
- Convenient
- Personalized to their needs
By integrating sleep conversations into routine patient visits, dentists drive meaningful health outcomes while positioning our practices at the forefront of this evolving field.
