Chester, Virginia - Chester Dental Care is raising awareness about the surprising connection between oral health and sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions of Americans yet remains largely undiagnosed. Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues and her team are helping patients in Chester, Richmond, and surrounding Virginia communities recognize warning signs in the mouth and access effective treatment for snoring during regular dental checkups.

The Hidden Epidemic of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects approximately 30 million Americans, yet the vast majority of cases remain undetected. According to national health data, approximately 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, leaving millions of people at risk for serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Research shows that an estimated 936 million adults worldwide have obstructive sleep apnea, making it one of the most common yet underdiagnosed health conditions globally. The condition occurs when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep due to airway blockage, leading to poor sleep quality and dangerous drops in oxygen levels.

Dentists on the Front Lines of Detection

Chester Dental Care has been educating patients about the oral signs that may indicate sleep apnea. During examinations, the practice screens for several key indicators, including worn-down teeth from nighttime grinding, a scalloped tongue with tooth marks along the edges, a high narrow palate, a small or recessed lower jaw, inflamed gums from mouth breathing, and enlarged tonsils that may block the airway.

Dr. Rodrigues, who serves as a Vivos clinical advisor with almost a decade of experience in airway and sleep dentistry, emphasizes that dentists often serve as the first line of defense in identifying sleep breathing disorders. The practice has invested in training and technology to recognize these warning signs and connect patients with appropriate care.

Snoring Treatment Options Available

For patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, Chester Dental Care offers multiple treatment approaches. The practice provides oral appliances that help keep airways open during sleep, serving as an alternative or complement to traditional treatments for snoring. These custom-fitted devices work by positioning the jaw forward to prevent airway collapse.

Chester Dental Care also educates patients about snoring treatment exercises, also known as myofunctional therapy, which strengthen the muscles of the tongue and throat. When performed consistently, these exercises can reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve breathing during sleep.

The practice emphasizes natural treatment of snoring approaches, including weight management, sleep position changes, and lifestyle modifications. Many patients benefit from combining these methods with dental devices for optimal results. For those seeking snoring treatment at home, the practice provides guidance on positional therapy and other non-invasive techniques.

Collaborative Care Model

Chester Dental Care works closely with sleep physicians and other medical professionals to provide complete care for patients with sleep breathing disorders. When oral signs suggest possible sleep apnea, the practice refers patients for sleep studies to confirm the diagnosis before beginning treatment.

This collaborative approach allows patients to receive coordinated care that addresses both the dental aspects and the broader health implications of sleep apnea. The practice serves as a partner in the diagnostic process, helping medical professionals identify cases that might otherwise go unnoticed for years.

Serving Chester and the Greater Richmond Area

Chester Dental Care provides airway-focused dental care to patients throughout Chester, Richmond, Hopewell, Midlothian, and Chesterfield, as well as Henrico and Hanover counties in Virginia. With almost two decades of dental experience, the trusted dental clinic in Chester has established itself as a leader in adopting new technologies and approaches to treating sleep breathing disorders.

The practice accepts most major insurance plans and works with patients to make snoring treatments accessible. Many dental insurance plans cover oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea, making professional treatment more affordable than many patients realize.

For those seeking snoring treatments near you, schedule an appointment with Chester Dental Care by calling (804) 748-2555 or emailing frontdesk@chesterdentalcareva.com.

About Chester Dental Care

Located in Chester, Virginia, Chester Dental Care serves families throughout the Greater Richmond area. The practice provides general dentistry alongside airway-centered services focused on sleep and breathing health. Led by Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues, the team combines advanced training in sleep dentistry with nearly 20 years of dental experience, including over a decade specializing in airway-focused care.

Dr. Rodrigues also serves as a Vivos Clinical Advisor, and the practice collaborates with medical professionals to provide coordinated care while helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness.

Contact Information:

Chester Dental Care

12517 Jefferson Davis Highway
Chester, VA 23831
United States

Shwetha Rodrigues
https://chesterdentalcareva.com/