Do you snore loudly in your sleep?
Patients are often unaware that sleep apnea is one of the dental concerns we treat. Sleep apnea refers to the disruption of breathing during sleep and is often accompanied by heavy snoring, struggling to breathe while you sleep, and daytime fatigue. These symptoms can have negative effects on your overall health and put you in danger of sleep apnea complications.
People with sleep apnea, if left untreated, often go on to develop cardiovascular issues, diabetes, depression, and strokes. As your trusted dentist in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA, we are here to help you with your mild to moderate sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment online today. We look forward to helping you achieve a good night’s rest.
Sleep Apnea: What You Need To Know
Sleep apnea often has the most noticeable symptom of loud snoring. However, if you do not have a sleep partner or roommates, it can be difficult to know if you suffer from sleep apnea. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the additional symptoms of sleep apnea, which should all be reported to your dentist at your next appointment:
- Heavy snoring
- Waking yourself up gasping for breath
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Depression
Sleep Apnea: What You Can Do
Scheduling an appointment with Esthetic Dental Solutions is the best first step in discovering your risk for sleep apnea. We provide home sleep screenings and work closely with an experienced ear, nose, and throat specialist who can evaluate and diagnose your condition. If it is determined that your case is mild to moderate, we can help you through oral appliance therapy.
When you have sleep apnea, this means that your airway is being temporarily, but repeatedly blocked as you sleep. This is often due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat and tongue, which can fall back when the lower jaw slackens during sleep and block the upper airway.
Oral appliance therapy involves a customized night guard used to hold your jaw in a comfortable resting position while you sleep. This means that the soft tissues of your mouth will not be able to collapse on each other as you breathe throughout the night.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
What is the fastest way to cure sleep apnea?
The best way to cure sleep apnea is to start exercising and eating healthy. Sleep apnea is commonly found in people who are overweight with blocked airways. Patients may also benefit from yoga and deep breathing practices. Sleeping with a humidifier may also help cure sleep apnea.
What is the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea?
On average sleep apnea shortens patients lives by anywhere between 12-15 years, if left untreated. Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may undergo treatment to reverse destructive effects of sleep apnea, however OSA cannot be cured. Patients with sleep apnea may live a long and healthy life with treatments.
How many apneas per hour is severe?
In order to be considered severe, patients must suffer from apneas every 30-40 minutes. Some patients may suffer from up to 100 apneas per hour.
Does sleep apnea get progressively worse?
If you do not address sleep apnea, it is possible that it gets worse and eventually lead to premature death. With proper treatment, such as CPAP therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments, you can considerably reduce sleep apnea symptoms and its effects.
What is the root cause of sleep apnea?
There are many factors that can contribute to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, such as obesity and excess weight. Excess soft tissue may restrict the airway during sleep causing apneas.
What foods cause sleep apnea?
The main foods that cause sleep apnea include bananas, dairy products, and fatty meats. These foods increase mucus production which may cause extra blockages in your airways, resulting in increased frequency of apneas.
How long do apneas last?
Any lapse in breathing that lasts 20 seconds or more is an apnea. Apneas are common in infants and adults while sleeping.
Schedule a sleep apnea treatment consultation in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA today. Call Dr. Hedlund at Esthetic dental Solutions at 678-352-1333 or request an appointment online.