3 LIFE-SAVING QUESTIONS EVERY DENTAL PROFESSIONAL SHOULD ASK AT EVERY APPOINTMENT

In dentistry, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of routine: update the health history, check the gums, clean the teeth, and chart the findings. But what if your next appointment wasn’t just a checkup—it was a chance to save a life?

At The LifeGuard Approach, we believe that every conversation in the operatory is an opportunity to educate patients and save lives. When you ask the right questions—the life-saving ones—you not only provide exceptional care but also become an advocate for whole-body health.

HOW CAN UNDIAGNOSED SLEEP ISSUES AFFECT A PATIENT'S HEALTH?

When sleep is disrupted night after night—whether due to obstructive sleep apnea, undiagnosed airway issues, or poor sleep hygiene—the body doesn't just get tired. It gets inflamed. Literally.

A chronic lack of restorative sleep can kick the immune system into overdrive, leading to systemic inflammation that quietly contributes to a wide range of health issues, from heart disease and high blood pressure to weight gain and insulin resistance. It's like trying to run a marathon with a twisted ankle—you may keep moving, but you're doing damage every step of the way.

Many patients don’t realize that inflammation isn't just a side effect—it’s a red flag. Sleep issues are often the underlying culprit.

At The LifeGuard Approach, we help dental professionals uncover hidden red flags before they turn into bigger health threats. By identifying airway obstructions, mouth breathing, or signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children and adults, you have the power to help restore healthy sleep patterns—and with them, a healthier, less inflamed body. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.

LIFE-SAVING QUESTIONS TO ASK AT EVERY APPOINTMENT

While there are other questions that you'll learn during your LifeGuard training and coaching sessions, here are three that can help you take your first steps towards becoming a LifeGuard for your patients:

1. “Tell me about how you've been feeling lately–even after a full night of sleep?”

This question opens the door to a deeper conversation about airway health, sleep apnea, and other underlying conditions that often go undetected in dental offices.

Many patients don’t realize that chronic fatigue can stem from disordered breathing, which can impact their sleep. If a person isn't able to breathe, odds are they won't achieve restorative sleep–deep, restful sleep that allows the body and mind to recover and rejuvenate.

Dentists and hygienists are uniquely positioned to spot the signs of airway compromise and refer patients for proper evaluation.

2. “Tell me about how you sleep and if anyone has noticed that you snore or stop breathing at night?”

It might feel awkward to ask, but this question could reveal a serious and undiagnosed sleep disorder.

Snoring isn’t just a nuisance—it can be a red flag. If patients feel embarrassed or unaware, your curiosity can make the difference. With proper training, you can help them connect the dots between sleep, inflammation, and oral health.

3. “Tell me about your health or stress levels lately?”

Stress is a silent disruptor—affecting oral health, systemic wellness, and patient behavior. By asking this question, you’re signaling that you care about more than just teeth. You’re making space for trust, honesty, and health-centered coaching.

WHY THESE QUESTIONS MATTER

These aren’t just “extras.” They’re critical tools to uncover what may be hiding beneath the surface. They help you move from provider to protector—a true LifeGuard in the operatory.

If you’re ready to lead more impactful conversations, start with these three. Then, take the next step and download our free ebook Flip the Script: Speaking the Language of Health & Wellness to help you ask better, bolder, more life-saving questions.

📥 Click here to get your free guide >>