How a Family Dentist Can Address Sleep Apnea

If you are struggling with sleep apnea, you need to address the condition right away. This is not an issue that will generally go away on its own. It is also a serious problem that can lead to severe health challenges. Luckily, your dentist is a good resource to turn to for help. Your dentist is concerned not only about your teeth and gum but with how issues in your mouth affect your health. There are ways to correct this problem and help you breathe well at night again.

An understanding of sleep apnea

A person with this condition will stop and restart breathing during the night while sleeping. The interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. There are two types of this illness: central and obstructive. Dentists can treat the latter, which happens when there is a blockage in the airway, preventing effective breathing.

While a person is asleep, enlarged tissue or the tongue can obstruct the throat, preventing air from getting in and out. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems, including stroke and heart attack. A person with this illness may feel groggy or exhausted in the morning. Irritability and difficulty focusing are also symptoms.

The examination

The dentist will begin by examining the patient to determine where the blockage is occurring. There will also be a series of questions, including how long the patient has experienced symptoms and how severe the breathing problems have been. The dentist will likely speak to the patient’s bed partner, where applicable, for more information. X-rays can also help to determine whether the patient has excess tissue in the mouth blocking the airway.

Mouthguard

Often, the most common treatment a dentist will use for sleep apnea is a mouthguard. This device will be similar to what a dentist may recommend for a person who struggles with teeth grinding. The mouthguard fits over the teeth and pulls the jaw forward. This opens the airway more while the person sleeps. To fit the patient with a mouthguard, the dentist will make impressions of the mouth and make a model. Adjustments to the mouthguard may be necessary over time.

Tongue depressor

Another option for treating sleep apnea is to fit the patient with a tongue depressor. This device holds the tongue in place. This will keep it from rolling to the back of the mouth. The patient only wears it while sleeping.

Surgery

In more serious cases of sleep apnea, the dentist may recommend surgery. Different procedures can remove excess tissue from the mouth that may be blocking the airway. This could include removing tonsils or adenoids. X-rays and a thorough examination are necessary before deciding to do surgery.

Sleep apnea affects the body

The body suffers when sleep apnea occurs. The individual’s risk for high blood pressure, stroke, or heart disease increases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms, oxygen deprivation, and asthma can worsen as well. People with sleep apnea can develop high levels of liver enzymes and fatty liver disease. GERD may also worsen. At the same time, insulin resistance, resulting in Type II diabetes, can develop as well.

Benefits of treating sleep apnea

The dentist will measure the patient’s airway first. A take-home test may be necessary to keep an eye on the patient’s sleep and snoring patterns. Using the information, the dentist will diagnose the patient. Wearing oral appliances can help lower the patient’s jaw while sleeping. Here are the benefits of using these treatments:

• It reduces the risk of depression. Inadequate sleep can increase severe loneliness by 2.6 times higher than in people who have a night of quality sleep.
• It lowers the risk of stroke and heart issues. Studies show that people who get sleep interruptions are three times greater than those who have sound sleep. Stroke cases were 4.5 times higher in those with significant sleep disturbances.
• It refreshes the body when waking up. Sleep apnea stops the body from breathing about 90 times each hour. This prevents complete rest. Treating sleep apnea allows the body to recharge, allowing the person to feel renewed when waking up.
• It helps manage diabetes better. Diabetes can start or worsen because of sleep apnea. This sleep condition can lead to insulin resistance. Treating it can lower insulin resistance, allowing the individual to control blood sugar levels better.

You can rest soundly at night again

Living with sleep apnea has many health implications. Aside from respiratory and cardiovascular troubles, you may have trouble sleeping. If you are worried about your condition or if your partner has this illness, talk to your dentist. You can begin working on treatment plans to restore your health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.

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