With an estimated 1 in 15 adults affected and nearly 80% of cases undiagnosed, recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is critical. Untreated sleep apnea can reduce quality of life and contribute to serious health risks such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. At Massa Dental Center, a trusted Naples, FL dental office, we provide comfortable, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment options to support better sleep and protect your long-term health.
Learn the top signs you might have sleep apnea and take the next step toward the care you deserve.
Top Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Our Naples, FL family dentists screen for airway and bite factors that can contribute to snoring and daytime fatigue. The top signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring caused by soft tissues vibrating in a narrowed or collapsing airway
- Daytime sleepiness, constant fatigue, poor focus, or forgetfulness from repeated nighttime breathing interruptions
- Gasping, choking, coughing, or abrupt breathing restarts during sleep due to oxygen drops
- Morning headaches linked to poor oxygen exchange or nighttime jaw clenching and grinding
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking from sleeping with the mouth open to compensate for blocked airflow
- Night sweats triggered by rising cortisol levels as the body struggles to maintain breathing
- Frequent urination at night driven by increased chest pressure and hormone changes caused by untreated apnea
Dentist-Led Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Dentists treat obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliances worn at night. Oral appliance therapy works internally by gently guiding the lower jaw and tongue forward to help keep the airway open, improving airflow and oxygen levels while reducing snoring and apnea interruptions. Each device is crafted from digital scans or impressions to fit your bite precisely, making it comfortable, secure, and natural to wear during sleep.
Dentists also assess contributing factors such as bite imbalance, jaw joint strain, and muscle tension from nighttime clenching or grinding, which can further restrict the airway. When appropriate, oral appliance therapy can support quieter sleep, steadier breathing, easier mornings, and improved daytime energy and focus. This approach is non-invasive, silent to wear, travel-friendly, and a strong alternative for patients who struggle with CPAP.
If snoring or daytime fatigue have been affecting your routine, a professional trained in dental sleep medicine can help determine whether a custom oral appliance is the right fit for your nighttime breathing needs.
Get Sleep Apnea Treatment in Naples, FL
Dr. James Massa in Naples, FL, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), reflecting his commitment to advanced care in dental sleep medicine. His membership provides access to the latest research, education, and treatment techniques for sleep apnea and related conditions. With specialized training and resources from the AADSM, Dr. Massa offers evidence-based solutions to help patients achieve better sleep and overall health.
If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, we encourage you to book an appointment with us to explore treatment options. We can connect you with a physician for a sleep test and, once diagnosed, work together to find the best solution for you. If you already have a sleep apnea diagnosis, contact Massa Dental Center in Naples, FL, at (239) 597-7333 to discuss your treatment options.
