Potential signs of sleep apnoea at a dental examination

Potential signs of sleep apnoea include:

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Sleep apnoea can cause teeth grinding during sleep, which may result in tooth wear, sensitivity, and damage to dental restorations.

Enlarged tongue or scalloped edges

An unusually large tongue or indentations on the sides of the tongue from pressing against the teeth may indicate restricted airway space, which could be related to sleep apnoea.

Retrognathia or micrognathia

A recessed jaw (retrognathia) or small jaw (micrognathia) can lead to a reduced airway space, increasing the risk of sleep apnoea.

High-arched or narrow hard palate

A high-arched or narrow hard palate can also contribute to restricted airway space, which could be a sign of sleep apnoea.

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Swollen tonsils or adenoids may obstruct the airway, particularly in children, leading to sleep apnoea.

Mouth breathing or dry mouth

Sleep apnoea patients may breathe through their mouth during sleep, resulting in dry mouth upon waking.

General signs

Increased body fat (particularly obesity, and a larger neck circumference), and a deviated nasal septum or nasal obstruction are associated with sleep apnoea.

If these signs are noticed, the dentist should ask a set of follow-up questions to find out what symptoms of sleep apnoea (if any) the patient might be experiencing.