How a Sleep Apnea Dentist Supports Your Overall Wellness

If you’re a person who lives with obstructive sleep apnea, it can have a huge impact on your life and well-being. Sleep apnea can affect everything from your ability to concentrate at work to your mental health and even your heart. Fortunately, dentists like Dr. Tokikko Poppe at Cosmos Dentistry have solutions and guidance.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Also known as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the muscles at the back of your throat become too relaxed while you’re sleeping. When this happens, your airway is obstructed, causing you to wake up dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea. The worst part: Many of them go undiagnosed.

What Are the Signs I May Have Sleep Apnea?

In many cases, people aren’t aware that they have sleep apnea. If you suspect you might have it, watch for these symptoms:

Chronic loud snoring
Choking and/or gasping while sleeping
Excessively sleepy during the daytime
Headaches in the morning
Mood swings or irritability
Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
Waking up frequently at night

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (425) 448-4770 | Existing Patients: (425) 458-4940
Request an appointment

How Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affect My Health?

Sleep apnea’s main effect on your health is drowsiness during the daytime. This can affect you if you work or go to school. Sleepiness can also be unsafe if you have a long commute at the end of your workday.

You may be surprised to learn that sleep apnea also affects other areas of health. For example, it has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea can also cause complications if you have type 2 diabetes.

What Are the Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The good news is that treatment for OSA is highly effective, depending on the severity of your condition and how it’s affecting your health.

CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure)
Oral appliance provided by Dr. Poppe
Surgery in very severe cases

When you need sleep apnea treatment, expertise matters. Dr. Poppe is trained by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and continues to pursue advanced continuing education focused on sleep and whole-body health. This commitment means you’re not just getting a dental appliance—you’re receiving care from a clinician who understands how sleep impacts your overall well-being.

How Can a Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea dentists like Dr. Poppe play a unique role in treating OSA. If you don’t want to go with a CPAP machine, Dr. Poppe can fit you with a small oral appliance. This appliance gently repositions your jaw, so your airway will remain open while you’re asleep. This solution is especially helpful for people who don’t want the noise or discomfort of a CPAP machine.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help with Managing Sleep Apnea?

One of the best things you can do to control your sleep apnea symptoms is to maintain a healthy weight and exercise. Limiting alcohol and sedatives before you go to bed can also help a lot. Dr. Poppe recommends emphasizing good sleep hygiene and creating a nightly wind-down routine to help you relax.

How Do I Schedule an Appointment with a Sleep Apnea Dentist in Bellevue, WA?

Your search is over if you’re looking for a sleep apnea dentist. Dr. Tokikko Poppe and the team at Cosmos Dentistry are here to help you get a diagnosis so you can find the care you need. To learn more, visit the office at 1515 116th Ave NE Ste 301, Bellevue, WA 98004, or call (425) 448-4770 today.

Share this Article

Back to Airway Therapy/ Page

Dr. Tokiko Poppe

Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects of dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate in school.

Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD, AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has completed Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.

She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.