Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you are sleeping. The pauses typically last a few seconds, but can happen up to 30 times an hour.
What is Sleep Apnea and snoring?
During sleep, the muscles of the throat relax and one of the results is a narrowing or blockage of airways, which can lead to loud snoring and/or sleep apnea – a condition associated with episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. This interruption to normal breathing patterns can occur up to hundreds of times a night. For someone with obstructive sleep apnea, this constant disruption of breathing causes a number of serious health issues and complications. These include: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. A common treatment for these conditions is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP). CPAP involves wearing a mask over the mouth or nose which is connected to a machine that provides pressurized air to keep the airway open throughout the night. While not a fun bedtime routine for most people, the benefits of CPAP therapy greatly outweigh the occasional discomfort associated with it. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option for sleep improvement.
There are various ways a dentist can help with sleep-related issues. Most commonly, Dr. Patel will help patients get fitted for a CPAP mask or provide oral appliance therapy. These are both comfortable alternatives to the CPAP machine to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. In some cases, surgical options are available for more extreme cases. The dentists at Gentle Touch Dentistry have advanced training in this area and care for patients who may need surgical treatments for sleep apnea or other conditions. If you are concerned about your snoring habits or a sleeping partner’s snoring, contact the team at Gentle Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!
Causes of sleep apnea and snoring
Poorly fitting oral appliances can cause sleep apnea and snoring. The appliance can vibrate, causing the airway to narrow or become blocked. This, in turn, causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night. If you notice signs of sleep apnea or your partner complains about your snoring, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss it further. Your dentist will be able to diagnose you with a sleep study to determine the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan for you.
[Click here to learn the causes of obstructive sleep apnea.]( [Sleep apnea treatment](