Sleep apnea is a condition that many people experience without even realizing that they have it. People with sleep apnea stop and start breathing while they sleep, which leads to a bad night’s sleep among other side effects.
Despite how easily overlooked it can be, sleep apnea has the potential to be dangerous! Sleep apnea deprives your brain of the full oxygen it needs to properly rest and reset each night. People living with undiagnosed sleep apnea are more likely to experience serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.
Fortunately, sleep apnea is easily diagnosable and treatable.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
The best way to learn whether you have sleep apnea is by coming into our office for a sleep apnea evaluation. A professional diagnosis is the first step to getting a more precise understanding of your condition.
If you’re unable to schedule an appointment right away, look for these warning signs. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms (especially multiple at the same time), it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about sleep apnea.
- Frequently waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth.
- Frequently waking up with a headache.
- Feeling tired in the morning, even after sleeping through the night.
- Difficulty concentrating during the day.
- Snoring—especially extra loud snoring.
- Frequently waking up in the night for no obvious reason, especially while choking or feeling out of breath.
Any one of these symptoms can be difficult to manage, let alone trying to deal with multiple at once! This is just one reason why it’s important to treat potential sleep apnea as soon as possible.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
There are several different treatments for sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the case. One of the most basic solutions is an oral appliance that is worn like a mouthguard while you sleep. This mouthguard gently widens the airway, which makes it easier to breathe regularly throughout the night.
We offer these convenient, removable oral appliances here at our office. For many people, these appliances are enough to help them start sleeping better almost immediately
If a mouthguard is not enough to stop a severe case of sleep apnea, there are other, more intensive solutions, including CPAP machines. When you meet with us, we’ll be able to diagnose your sleep apnea and find the solution that’s the best fit for you.
Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Nights.
If you think that you or a loved one might be experiencing sleep apnea, contact us today for a sleep apnea evaluation! Treating your sleep apnea now means a better night’s sleep tomorrow.