Did you know that good sleep is a natural performance enhancer? It boosts energy, focus, and emotional balance. Poor sleep, on the other hand, drains physical and mental capacity, making everyday tasks feel harder.
One possible contributing factor to suboptimal sleep is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA is when the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. This limits oxygen flow and prevents you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of rest your body needs to feel refreshed.
Symptoms and Possible Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Hallmark symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, morning headaches, and poor focus. If left untreated, chronic OSA can increase fatigue, lower productivity, and heighten the risk of developing systemic diseases. Multiple studies have shown that OSA is associated with chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The Mouth–Sleep Connection: What to Look Out For
It is less commonly known that certain features inside the mouth—such as a narrow airway, a scalloped tongue, or teeth grinding—may also provide clues to sleep-related breathing issues.
In particular, children who frequently breathe through their mouths, snore, or develop early dental crowding may show signs of airway obstruction during sleep, often linked to sleep‑disordered breathing or paediatric OSA. Regrettably, even mild airway restriction can fragment sleep and lower oxygen levels, disrupting the deep stages of rest, which are critical for brain growth and learning. Children may struggle with attention, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation when these difficulties become chronic.
Consequently, it leads to poorer classroom performance and behavioural issues such as hyperactivity or irritability. Early identification—especially by dentists who notice these oral or craniofacial signs—can make a significant difference in addressing both airway health and developmental outcomes.
Dentistry’s Role in Managing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Dr Nijamuddeen Latiff, a Dental Surgeon from T32 Dental Group and a Member of the Australasian Sleep Association, commented, “Good sleep is not a luxury; it’s essential for the brain, heart, and overall well-being. As dentists, we often spot early signs of OSA and guide patients toward the right treatment.”
During check-ups, dentists can screen for airway problems. Dentists are frequently one of the first healthcare providers to detect sleep disorders in patients by assessing jaw structures, tongue posture, signs of teeth grinding, and signs of gastric reflux on teeth.
After OSA is diagnosed by a sleep physician, dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can prescribe and custom-make oral appliances, as part of a multidisciplinary care approach. Mandibular advancement devices — the most commonly prescribed oral appliance for OSA — are a practical alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
Clinical studies show that oral appliances can reduce sleep apnoea events by over 50% in individuals with mild-to-moderate cases and are more tolerable than CPAP machines. Mandibular advancement devices work by gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which, in turn, pulls the tongue and surrounding soft tissues forward, helping to keep the upper airway open during sleep and preventing collapse.
At Dontia Sleep Centres, which are conveniently located in T32 Dental Financial District Centre (Raffles Place) and T32 Dental Camden Centre (Orchard), dentists trained in dental sleep medicine have seen numerous patients with OSA.
Dr Nijamuddeen, who is based in the T32 Dental Financial District Centre (Raffles Place), commented, “Although oral appliance therapy can be effective in treating OSA, I always advise my patients to pair that with lifestyle modifications. Simple practices, such as sleeping on your side instead of your back and keeping a consistent bedtime, are key for the long-term management of OSA.”
This article was published in Berita Harian on 29 Dec 2025 and was contributed by Dr Njiam Latiff.