Obstructive sleep apnoea: dental signs and what to look for

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the airway partially or completely closes during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. It affects thousands of Australians, both adults and children, and often goes undiagnosed for years. What many people do not realise is that your dentist may be one of the first health professionals to spot the signs.

What happens during obstructive sleep apnoea

During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax. For people with OSA, this relaxation can cause the soft tissues to collapse inward, narrowing or blocking the airway. The brain briefly wakes the person to restore breathing, often without them being aware of it. This cycle can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times each night, preventing restful sleep and placing strain on the body over time.

Dental signs that may point to OSA

Because dentists examine the mouth closely and regularly, they are well placed to notice changes that may suggest a sleep breathing disorder. During a routine dental checkup, your dentist may look for signs such as:

• Tooth wear from grinding (bruxism): Flattened, chipped, or worn teeth can indicate clenching and grinding during sleep, which is strongly associated with OSA.
• Scalloped tongue: A tongue with ridged or scalloped edges may suggest it is pressing against the teeth during sleep, sometimes linked to airway restriction.
• A narrow or small jaw: Certain jaw shapes can reduce the space available for the airway, which may increase the likelihood of obstruction.
• Dry mouth and throat irritation: Mouth breathing during sleep, common in those with OSA, can lead to persistent dryness and an increased risk of dental issues.
• Redness or enlargement of the soft palate and throat tissues: These changes can sometimes be visible during an oral examination.

Signs in children can look different

OSA does not only affect adults. In children, the symptoms often present differently and can be easy to overlook. Rather than obvious daytime sleepiness, children with sleep breathing issues may show:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Restless sleep or unusual sleeping positions
• Persistent mouth breathing, especially at night
• Difficulty concentrating or behavioural changes at school
• Bedwetting beyond the expected age

If you notice these patterns in your child, it is worth raising them with your GP or dentist at the next visit.

What to do if you suspect sleep apnoea

If you or a family member experience heavy snoring, unrefreshing sleep, or morning headaches, the first step is to speak with your GP. Your doctor may refer you for a sleep study, which is the standard method for diagnosing OSA. This can sometimes be done at home with a portable monitoring device.

How your dental team can help

Dentists do not diagnose or treat OSA on their own. However, they can play a valuable role as part of a broader care team. If OSA is confirmed through a sleep study, your doctor may discuss treatment options that include oral appliances. These are custom-fitted devices worn during sleep that aim to keep the airway open by gently repositioning the lower jaw. For mild to moderate cases, an oral appliance may be recommended by your doctor as an alternative or complement to other therapies.

At Grange Road Dental, we work alongside GPs and sleep physicians to support coordinated care where appropriate. Regular dental checkups and professional cleans also give our team the opportunity to monitor oral signs over time and raise any observations with you early.

If you have concerns about teeth grinding, jaw discomfort, or any of the signs mentioned above, our team is happy to chat. Call us on (07) 3281 6666 or book an appointment online to get started.