Sleep Apnea Treatment
Is sleep apnea interfering with your rest? Are you worried about the potential health issues that it can cause? If you suffer from this common disorder, it’s time to see a dentist for evaluation and treatment, so you can get back to a good night’s sleep.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, you’re not alone — nearly
30 million American adults have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA). Sleep apnea occurs when relaxed muscles block your airway during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing. It can have serious health consequences, but most cases are treatable.
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA
While snoring can have many causes, it’s one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. This disorder can also cause:
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Repeatedly waking up during the night
- Feeling tired or irritable during the day
RISKS OF SLEEP APNEA
In addition to causing fatigue by interfering with your rest, sleep apnea can have more serious
health impacts if left untreated. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart issues
- Diabetes
- Mental health issues such as depression and ADHD
SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist. A sleep study may be recommended to diagnose your sleep disorder. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, there are a number of treatment options. For some patients, trying out a new sleeping position can relieve their apnea. For more severe cases, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is a popular treatment. Oral devices and even surgery are sometimes needed to treat some cases of sleep apnea.
Don’t ignore snoring or other symptoms — given the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Contact us
today to schedule an appointment in the Washington, D.C. area and get your sleep apnea or other dental issues treated.