Originally published March 4, 2020. Updated September 13, 2026.
Snoring is often treated as a joke, but for some people it is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) notes that untreated sleep apnea impairs concentration, decision-making, and memory and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other serious problems. Dentists are often among the first to notice signs, because sleep-disordered breathing can show up in the mouth. This guide explains the symptoms of sleep apnea, how it relates to your teeth and jaw, how it is diagnosed, and the role dentists play in treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
According to NHLBI, sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing stops and restarts many times while you sleep, which can keep your body from getting enough oxygen. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. Risk factors include obesity, large tonsils, and hormonal changes. Central sleep apnea, in which the brain does not send the right signals to breathe, is less common.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
NHLBI lists snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other signs can include morning headaches and poor concentration. A partner is often the first to notice snoring or pauses in breathing. If this sounds like you, see your doctor, since sleep apnea needs a medical evaluation.
How is sleep apnea related to your teeth and mouth?
Sleep-disordered breathing can leave signs in the mouth, which is one reason dentists ask about snoring and sleep:
- Teeth grinding. Cleveland Clinic reports an association between sleep apnea and teeth grinding, although the relationship is still being studied. See our guide to teeth grinding. If you snore, tell your dentist before a night guard is made, since it can affect which appliance is appropriate.
- Dry mouth. The American Dental Association lists mouth breathing among the causes of dry mouth, and dry mouth raises the risk of cavities and gum problems. See our guide to dry mouth.
- Jaw and bite. Jaw pain and headaches often go with grinding and clenching. See our guide to TMJ disorders.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
NHLBI says healthcare providers typically order a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea. A dentist cannot diagnose it, but can screen for risk, review your symptoms, and recommend that you see your physician. Do not try to self-diagnose, and do not ignore loud, frequent snoring.
How is sleep apnea treated, and what is the dentist’s role?
NHLBI describes treatments including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, lifestyle changes, and surgery when other treatments do not work. For some people, a dental device is an option. A joint clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) recommends oral appliance therapy for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant of CPAP or prefer an alternative. The guideline advises that when a sleep physician prescribes an oral appliance, a qualified dentist should provide a custom, adjustable device rather than a non-custom one, and should oversee treatment to watch for dental side effects or changes in the bite.
In short, sleep apnea care is a team effort between you, your physician, and your dentist. If you are prescribed an oral appliance, ask about the dentist’s training in dental sleep medicine. If you have symptoms but no diagnosis, start with your doctor. Our preventive dentistry team is glad to talk about what we see in your mouth and to coordinate with your physician.
When should you talk to a dentist or doctor?
- You snore loudly or a partner sees you stop breathing in your sleep.
- You wake with a dry mouth, headaches, or jaw pain.
- You feel very sleepy during the day despite a full night in bed.
- Your teeth look worn or you have been told you grind at night.
Frequently asked questions about sleep apnea and dentistry
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually with a sleep study. A dentist can notice warning signs, such as snoring, worn teeth, or a dry mouth, ask about your sleep, and refer you for evaluation.
Does snoring always mean sleep apnea?
No, but snoring is one of the main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, along with gasping during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you snore loudly or wake unrefreshed, ask your doctor about a sleep evaluation.
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
It is a custom-fitted mouthpiece worn at night that repositions the jaw to help keep the airway open. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommend oral appliance therapy for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer an alternative.
Can sleep apnea affect my teeth?
It can be associated with teeth grinding, and mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities. Cleveland Clinic reports an association between sleep apnea and grinding, although the relationship is still being studied.
Who should make a sleep apnea oral appliance?
The joint AASM and AADSM guideline advises that a qualified dentist should provide a custom, adjustable appliance rather than an off-the-shelf device, and should monitor you for dental side effects and bite changes.
Snoring, grinding, or a dry mouth at night?
Tell us about your sleep. We can look for signs in your mouth and help you take the right next step with your physician.
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Quick takeaways
- Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Snoring, gasping, and daytime sleepiness are key signs.
- Untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other problems.
- It can show up in the mouth through grinding, dry mouth, and jaw pain.
- Only a physician can diagnose it, usually with a sleep study.
- Oral appliance therapy is an option for adults who cannot tolerate CPAP, and it should be provided and monitored by a qualified dentist.
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH. Sleep Apnea.
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2015;11(7).
- Cleveland Clinic. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.
- American Dental Association. Dry Mouth. MouthHealthy.org.
