Tired All the Time? Your Smile Could Be the Key to Better Sleep

At Payson Dental and Orthodontics in Payson, Utah, Dr. Brian Kraft looks beyond the surface of your smile. While most people visit the dentist to protect their teeth and gums, your oral health can also reveal deeper issues, especially when it comes to the quality of your sleep.

If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling to concentrate, or waking up just as tired as you were when you went to bed, your airway may be part of the problem. 

One of the most overlooked causes of daytime fatigue is sleep apnea, a condition that interrupts your breathing throughout the night. And because your airway runs directly through your mouth and jaw, Dr. Kraft can spot signs that something is off.

How your mouth influences your sleep

Sleep apnea may seem like it’s only a nighttime problem, but, unfortunately, it can affect your entire day. When your airway collapses or becomes obstructed as you sleep, your body repeatedly jolts awake to restore breathing. You might not remember these episodes, but you will feel the effects throughout the following day.

When your airway isn’t functioning properly:

• Your oxygen levels dip, causing your brain and body to shift into a stress response
• Your sleep cycles become fragmented, preventing deep, restorative rest
• Your jaw and tongue muscles strain to keep your airway open

Many of our patients are surprised to learn that signs of sleep apnea often show up during routine dental visits at Payson Dental and Orthodontics. Conditions such as a narrow palate, crowded teeth, an overbite, or enlarged tissues can all point to potential airway issues. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and chronic dry mouth are common red flags as well.

If you’re dragging through your day, waking with headaches, or relying heavily on caffeine, these subtle oral clues may be even more important to evaluate.

Signs you’re not getting the rest you need

Because sleep apnea happens while you’re sleeping, it’s easy to miss. But your body sends clues that something isn’t right. Classic symptoms include:

• Loud snoring or gasping for air in the night
• Morning headaches
• Brain fog
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Irritability
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Certain factors raise your risk for airway-related sleep problems, such as:

• Being overweight
• Having a recessed chin or narrow jaw
• A family history of sleep apnea
• Getting older
• Chronic nasal congestion

Ignoring these signals can lead to long-term issues with your blood pressure, heart health, and metabolism, and open the door to chronic health problems. That’s why early evaluation is so important, not just for sleep, but for your overall wellness.

Breathe and sleep more easily

Dr. Kraft offers advanced, comfortable, and noninvasive sleep apnea treatment options to improve your airway and quality of rest. You may benefit from:

• Vivos® oral appliance therapy, which gently guides your jaw and palate into a position that supports better nighttime breathing
• Fotona® NightLase® therapy, a laser treatment designed to tighten and strengthen airway tissues to reduce snoring and collapse

Better breathing means better sleep. And better sleep means a sharper mind, steadier mood, stronger immune system, and more energy for the activities you love.

If you’re tired of feeling tired all the time, call now or request an appointment online for an airway evaluation.