Sleep Apnea

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Did you know sleep apnea can lead to:

  • Severe heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack

 

Impaired driving and work-related accidents

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects over 20 million Americans. The condition is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep and can present symptoms like snoring.

There are two types of sleep apnea. The first is obstructive sleep apnea where the airflow becomes blocked during sleep and the second is central sleep apnea which involves an interruption in brain signals to the respiratory system causing a failure in the signal that commands breathing. Sleep apnea can strike at any age, but men are more prone to develop the condition. Several risk factors could increase your chances of developing sleep apnea like being overweight or obese, large tonsils or tongue, a deviated septum or sinus condition or a family history of the condition.

Sleep apnea puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, insomnia and poor sleeping habits, and diabetes. If you have sleep apnea or believe you are presenting symptoms of the condition, time is of the essence to find treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

There are a few essential ways your dentist can help treat your sleep apnea condition.

First, you will need a comprehensive sleep apnea exam to explore how you breathe and identify any areas of concern. You may be assigned a monitoring device to take home with you while you sleep to identify any additional issues. Your dentist may recommend changes to your sleeping habits, diet, or lifestyle to start to combat the progression of your sleep apnea symptoms.

Next, you may be recommended for a number of dental devices that may help you breathe while sleeping. A recommended device is a mandibular advancement device that pushes the mandible, or lower jaw, forward to ensure clear airways and less obstruction. Tongue retaining devices are another commonly recommended sleep apnea device that holds the tongue in a comfortable forward position to eliminate airway obstruction.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and treatment.

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