Sleep apnea affects over 18 million Americans, but it’s a very tough ailment to diagnose. While it may not seem like sleep apnea and dental issues are related to one another in any way, your dental health can offer many clues about whether or not you have sleep apnea and how to most effectively treat it.
About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing either stops completely or becomes shallow in short increments as you sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive, which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, and central sleep apnea, a more severe form of the condition that occurs when your brain is not sending the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea causes incredible discomfort mentally and physically, and most often leads to people waking up multiple times throughout the night, spurring chronic fatigue. Common symptoms include loud snoring, waking up throughout the night frequently, daytime drowsiness, periods of shortness of breath in the middle of the night, waking up with a headache, fatigue, mood changes, waking up with a dry mouth, and insomnia. Because of its disturbances to sleep patterns, sleep apnea has been known to contribute to serious ailments like diabetes, heart failure, and liver disease.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
An effective method of sleep apnea therapy is a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machine that’s worn externally with a facemask and tubes for airflow. Additionally, we offer personalized sleep apnea devices that reposition your jaw from the inside (like a mouthguard) so that you can rest easily and comfortably. Stop by our office to discuss the most comfortable and convenient treatment option for you!
Sleep Apnea Prevention
Weight loss, avoiding alcohol, exercising, raising your head when you sleep, and sleeping on your side are great ways to increase air and oxygen flow to your brain while you sleep and to avoid sleep apnea.
We Can Help You Get Better Sleep!
You don’t need to lose any more sleep to sleep apnea. Our Parkside Family Dental team is here to help you find the best solution your symptoms and lifestyle. We’re looking forward to working with you and transforming your smile and quality of life.
Schedule a treatment consultation ASAP to improve your sleep quality!
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