Do I Have Sleep Apnea? | Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa | Symptoms, Causes & Treatments Palm Desert, CA

Been told you stop breathing while sleeping? Do you snore or choke? Learn more about the symptoms of sleep apnea, and find out if you are at risk

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Skip to Main Content   73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Patient Portal Text Us! (760) 219-7487 Call Us! (760) 565-0234 Home Aboutarrow_drop_down About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Informationarrow_drop_down Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Servicesarrow_drop_down View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Educationarrow_drop_down Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Home About About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Information Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Services View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Education Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Do I Have Sleep Apnea Palm Desert, CA Sleep apnea, a rare breathing disorder, is treatable through a variety of dental treatments that target the issue at hand. Whether the cause of sleep apnea is a jaw placement or issues in the airways, it is a good idea to receive a dental evaluation. Not only is sleep apnea life-threatening during sleep, it often affects many factors in an individual's life, health, and well-being. Treatments for sleep apnea are available at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. We can help determine whether your sleep apnea is due to an oral issue and discuss the treatment that would work best. Call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule an appointment and learn more. Request An Appointment First & Last Name (Required) Email (Required) Phone Number (Required) How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther Select an Option Understanding Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where patients have something blocking (or obstructing) part or all of their upper airway in their sleep, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to pull air into the lungs. This condition may cause the patient's breathing to become very shallow or even briefly stop altogether. Eventually, when the patient begins to breathe again, it will be accompanied by a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk. Many patients are not aware that they have this condition and may think they are only suffering from inadequate sleep. Dentists may be able to recognize and treat the signs of sleep apnea, as these symptoms often take a toll on the mouth and jaw. “Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where patients have something blocking (or obstructing) part or all of their upper airway in their sleep, forcing the diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to pull air into the lungs.” Sleep Apnea or Sleep Disorder? A sleeping disorder refers to habits occurring during sleep that affect breathing and overall health. Breathing pattern disorders (BPD), or dysfunctional breathing, are chronic or recurring conditions that cause a distortion in sleep. Sleep apnea is often referred to as both a sleeping disorder and a breathing disorder as these two factors are affected. Sleep apnea is a serious, life-threatening condition that can greatly reduce oxygen levels, accelerate the heart rate, and increase blood pressure. Oxygen and adequate sleep are essential for proper brain functioning. Therefore, combining low oxygen levels with obstructed sleep can affect multiple parts of the body such as the muscles, mind, mood, and metabolism. “Sleep apnea is often referred to as both a sleeping disorder and a breathing disorder as these two factors are affected.” Causes of Sleep Apnea Many patients are surprised to learn about the link between sleep apnea and dental health. Often, the pauses in breathing associated with sleep apnea are caused by flaccid muscles in the back of the throat, a too-large tongue, or a too-small jaw. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is the first sign of sleep apnea. This may cause tooth wear and breakage, along with inflamed and receding gums. Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa can conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether or not a patient has sleep apnea. “Many patients are surprised to learn about the link between sleep apnea and dental health.” Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Have Sleep Apnea in Palm Desert, CA Symptoms and Signs of Sleep Apnea The brain has a way of waking us up when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen, but it only lasts for a few seconds, allowing a great amount of airflow to flow through. Therefore, many people may not realize they have sleep apnea. However, it is common that a family member or close friend will recognize that there is an issue as they might snore loudly, suddenly stop breathing, and gasp for air periodically during sleep. Most symptoms of sleep apnea affect a patient's overall lifestyle, which often signals them that they may have a health condition. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include: fatigue restless sleep or insomnia difficulty concentrating waking up several times a night to urinate awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat headaches irritability heartburn decreased libido and erectile dysfunction “Most symptoms of sleep apnea affect a patient’s overall lifestyle, which often signals them that they may have a health condition.” Questions Answered on This Page Q. What is sleep apnea? Q. What causes sleep apnea? Q. Is sleep apnea a sleeping disorder? Q. What are the symptoms and signs of sleep apnea? Q. What treatments are available for sleep apnea? People Also Ask Q. What does the dentist look for in a dental examination? Q. Who is the right patient for a dental restoration? Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist? Q. What are the benefits of an FSA? Q. What conditions do night guards treat? Q. How can I find a new dentist? Treating and Managing Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea may be a temporary condition resulting from a poor health habit, such as smoking, excessive eating, and alcohol or drug abuse. These can be treated by reducing or eliminating these habits and doing a few breathing exercises every day to expand the airways and increase airflow. However, sleep apnea is often caused by factors out of our control and must be treated as soon as possible to prevent other serious health conditions. Treatments for sleep apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, surgery, upper airway stimulation (UAS), and medication. CPAP machines deliver continuous oxygen flow via a mask during sleep. Oral appliances are custom-made devices a dentist creates to keep the airways open. Various surgeries can be performed to solve the root problem, whether it be the sinuses, jaw, tongue, throat, or soft tissues. Upper airway stimulation involves a device connected to the chest that analyzes a person's breathing patterns and sends signals to keep the airways open. Medications may be prescribed when these options are not suitable for a patient for any reason. We will determine the type of treatment depending on the patient's age, type of sleep apnea, and medical conditions that may restrict certain treatments. “Treatments for sleep apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, surgery, upper airway stimulation (UAS), and medication.” Frequently Asked Questions Q. How common is sleep apnea? A. According to the Sleep Foundation, "Obstructive sleep apnea is estimated to affect between 2-9% of adults in the United States, but many cases are believed to go undiagnosed." Since a person may go a long period of time without realizing that they have sleep apnea, many are unaccounted for. Q. What is the success rate of sleep apnea treatments? A. Each case, treatment, and person is different. There could be two patients with the same type of sleep apnea but who have entirely different results. For example, the success rate of most sleep apnea surgeries is 60%, while a CPAP machine may completely cure a person of their condition. Q. What are the possible complications of untreated sleep apnea? A. Sleep apnea is a life-threatening condition as oxygen is a pertinent component of overall health, affecting nearly every organ. Going without treatment can result in hypertension, heart disease, fatigue, migraines, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, and liver problems. Q. What are the long-term effects of sleep apnea? A. Going without treatment for a long period of time can have dire effects on the mind and body. Long-term effects of sleep apnea include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat. It is important to seek immediate help and treatment when first experiencing symptoms. Q. What foods should be avoided for patients with sleep apnea? A. There are not many restrictions on foods and beverages for patients with sleep apnea unless their case is caused by an allergy or other specific factor. Dairy and bananas are known to increase mucus production, which can cause or progress sleep apnea. We will discuss any restrictions if a patient's case requires them. Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options. Let Us Help – Click for Directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa Scan here to view this page, Do I Have Sleep Apnea, on mobile Dental Terminology Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. Decay Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth. Dental Caries Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth. Dental Checkup A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office. Dental Filling A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth. Dental Prophylaxis A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth. Dental Sealants Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries. Dentist A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Gingivitis Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene. Preventive Dentistry Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth. Tartar Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment. Tooth Enamel Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp. Learn More Today Treating sleep apnea can improve your overall dental health and quality of life. We at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa may be able to help. Call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule an appointment and learn more. Helpful Related Links American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025 WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025 About our business and website securityDesert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and VisaWe serve patients from the following counties: Riverside CountyWe serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm SpringsHealthgrades. View Background Information and ReviewsNorton Safe Web. View DetailsTrend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile Back to top of Do I Have Sleep Apnea QR code for Do I Have Sleep Apnea Palm Desert, CA Dental Checkup Preventative Care Related Topics Dental Anxiety Do I Need a Root Canal Gum Disease I Think My Gums Are Receding Find a Dentist in Palm Desert, CA Type Your Search Query Here Related Posts How Emergency Dentists Perform A Root Canal Retreatment If severe tooth pain returns after a previous root canal, an emergency dentist may recommend root canal retreatment to eliminate the infection and restore long-term dental health. While an initial endodontic procedure has a high success rate, complications can arise years later that require professional intervention. By choosing an emergency dentist, you can find immediate… Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures? 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A dental bridge is a time-honored solution for replacing missing teeth. Similar methods for replacing teeth have been used for thousands of years.A dental bridge is a single or series of false teeth, called pontics,… Explore additional topics covered on our website: Does Invisalign Really Work Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Preventative Dental Care Dental Office Find Dental Care Near Me Call Us Today Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile 73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Get Directions Call Us Today! (760) 565-0234 Request Appointment Comments or Suggestions? Contact Us https://desertdreamdentistry.com AboutWe are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages. Office Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa 73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Contact Phone: (760) 565-0234 Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa. 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