Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can cause a sleeper to awaken more than a hundred times in a single night in severe cases, and this can lead to a host of nasty overall health problems that can seriously detract from a person’s quality of life. Thankfully, your dentist is trained and equipped to address sleep apnea with comfortable and noninvasive oral appliances. Here’s a quick look at a few important facts about sleep apnea and how it can be treated.
Sleep Apnea Is Caused by a Blocked Windpipe
Sleep apnea is characterized by the tissues in the neck putting pressure on the windpipe as they relax when the patient sleeps, which constricts the airway. When this happens, the sleeper will stop receiving the oxygen they need to stay healthy, which will trigger a distress signal from the brain that will cause them to awaken suddenly and out of breath. This can happen repeatedly throughout the night and puts a lot of stress on the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.
Sleep Apnea Causes Many Unpleasant Side Effects
Sleep apnea can deprive the patient of the sleep they need to be alert and functional throughout the day. This can lead to a series of unpleasant issues like:
- Grogginess
- Irritability
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
- Overeating
- Teeth grinding
- Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or nicotine
- Falling asleep while operating heavy machinery such as automobiles, which can lead to incredibly serious consequences such as loss of life or limb
Sleep Apnea Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean CPAP Therapy
Many people associate sleep apnea treatment with CPAP machines that are infamous for being noisy, uncomfortable, and difficult to travel with. Thankfully, many of today’s dentists prefer to treat the issue with noninvasive oral appliances designed to be worn over the teeth when the patient sleeps. These devices shift the jaw into a forward position that makes it harder for the airway to become restricted during sleep, and they can also protect the teeth from grinding, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
Don’t let sleep apnea make your life more frustrating. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to enjoy pleasant and fulfilling sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Roth Hinkle earned his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry where he received the General Dentistry Program Award. He continues to further his education by regularly participating in postgraduate coursework. His office in Southlake offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatment. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment, contact the office online or dial (817) 481-4888.