Quality sleep plays a major role in your overall health. If you’re dealing with loud snoring, morning fatigue, or breathing interruptions at night, your airway may be part of the issue. Our North Vancouver dental team can help identify concerns related to your airway and support you in finding the right care.

Understanding Airway Concerns

Your airway includes the structures that allow air to move from your nose or mouth into your lungs. If something makes the airway narrow or blocked during sleep, it can lead to snoring or sleep apnea. Many signs of airway issues can be seen in the mouth, jaw, and throat—areas your dentist examines regularly.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds or longer and may happen many times through the night. Over time, this can affect your energy, mood, and long-term health.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Dry mouth in the morning
• Daytime drowsiness or trouble focusing
• Morning headaches
• Grinding or clenching at night

If you notice any of these signs, an airway evaluation can help you understand what’s going on.

How Your Dentist Checks for Airway Issues

During your appointment, we look for features that may contribute to sleep-related breathing concerns. This may include:

• The position of your jaw
• Tongue size and tongue posture
• Signs of teeth grinding
• Narrow arches or crowding
• Soft tissue concerns in the throat
• Enlarged tonsils or restricted airway space

We may also discuss your sleep habits, medical history, and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

Diagnostic Tools We May Use

To get a clearer picture of your airway, your visit may include:

• 3D digital imaging to evaluate airway size and structures
• Intraoral photos to document areas affecting breathing
• Bite analysis to check how your teeth and jaw come together
• Home sleep testing, when appropriate, through a medical provider

If needed, we work closely with sleep physicians and other healthcare professionals in North Vancouver to support a full diagnosis.

What Happens After Your Assessment

Once we review your results, we go through everything with you in plain, easy-to-understand terms. Recommendations may include:

• Lifestyle or sleep habit changes
• Oral appliance therapy to help keep your airway open
• Follow-up care with a sleep specialist
• Monitoring changes over time

Your comfort and your goals guide every step of your care. We’ll help you understand your options so you can choose the approach that feels right for you.

Book an Airway & Sleep Apnea Evaluation

If snoring, fatigue, or breathing concerns are affecting your sleep, we’re here to help. Contact our North Vancouver dental clinic to schedule an airway and sleep apnea evaluation today.