Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous breathing disorder that affects millions of American adults. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when a patient’s airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea’s consequences may include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and a risk of sudden death.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Considering how severe obstructive sleep apnea can become, patients need to know what symptoms to watch for. If you have one or more of the symptoms below, speak to a dentist or physician as soon as possible for an evaluation.
- Loud and prolonged snoring that may disturb your partner or family members
- Gasping and choking at night
- Partners report episodes of stopped breathing
- Daytime sleepiness
- Daytime irritability
- Feeling tired in the morning, as if you haven’t had a restful night
- Dry mouth, sore throat, or headache in the morning
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea results in a deficit of oxygen in the brain and body. Repeated episodes of stopped breathing lead to immense stress on the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Obesity is one of the top causes of sleep apnea. When a patient has excess tissue in their throat, it may block the airway.
Patients at a healthy weight may also experience obstructive sleep apnea if their throat tissues and tongues relax too much during sleep. Large tonsils and adenoids can contribute as well.
Older males are more prone to the condition. Family history may also play a large role.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Dentists and physicians have multiple treatment avenues for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The most common remedy is using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. The machine releases a steady stream of air into the lungs, keeping the airways open and allowing the patient to receive enough oxygen during the night.
Another tactic that dentists use is prescribing oral appliance therapy. Custom oral appliances can correctly hold the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
In severe cases, surgery can help by removing tissue that blocks the airway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Patients may experience severe health consequences if they do not seek treatment for this disorder. They could face cardiac or respiratory issues.
How can I stop sleep apnea?
Talk to your dentist to discuss your concerns. Together with your primary care physician, they can create a treatment plan incorporating assistive devices and perhaps surgery to help you ensure a good night’s sleep.
Call Dunedin Dental Associates
If you have any of the above symptoms or if your partner has told you that you snore very loudly, consider being evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. You can protect your overall health by using dental and medical treatment options. Please call our Dunedin, FL, office at 727-734-3321 to schedule an appointment today.
