Common Causes of Sleep Apnea
When you have sleep apnea, your breathing is interrupted while you are sleeping. There are several reasons this could be happening, including:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which is most commonly seen in children
Sleep apnea does not merely keep you from having a good night’s sleep. It can have a very negative effect on your entire body and cause severe complications. Beyond the fatigue and irritability of not getting enough sleep, sleep apnea can cause:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- Metabolic syndrome, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
When you are first diagnosed with sleep apnea, the dentist may recommend lifestyle changes to alleviate the symptoms. Losing weight can make a big difference, as can quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake. If you suffer from allergies, having the proper allergy treatment can decrease or eliminate your sleep apnea. In some cases, you can alleviate your sleep apnea by changing your sleeping position. Turning onto your side and back can allow the obstruction to shift, eliminating snoring and restoring a clear airway. If lifestyle changes have little to no effect, other therapies may be necessary.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are usually the first choice for therapy. Worn during sleep, these devices look like sports mouthguards or orthodontic appliances. An oral appliance helps you breathe while sleeping by preventing the soft tissues and the tongue from blocking the airway. They bring the jaw forward and are ideal for alleviating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used on their own or in conjunction with a C-PAP system.
CPAP
A continuous positive airway pressure device, or CPAP, is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Consisting of a nasal mask and a pressurized air system, a CPAP device keeps a positive airflow going through your nasal passages, gently forcing the airways to stay open. CPAP is recommended for severe sleep apnea to prevent dangerous obstruction of breathing.
Surgery
Though never considered the first course of treatment, surgery may be an option for patients who have had no success with oral appliances or CPAP. Some simply cannot use either of the other therapies. Many surgical options are available, and the dentist will help you find the right surgeon for you and your needs. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, or if you want to try a new and more effective course of treatment, contact Shenandoah Family Dentistry at 540-773-0234. You can also visit our website for more information and to schedule your sleep apnea evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Can sleep apnea cause snoring?
Yes. Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Persistent or loud snoring, especially when accompanied by daytime fatigue or observed pauses in breathing, is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A sleep apnea evaluation typically involves reviewing symptoms and medical history, followed by appropriate sleep testing to determine whether breathing interruptions occur during sleep and how severe they are. A dental evaluation may also help determine whether an oral appliance could be appropriate.
Can an oral appliance help with sleep apnea?
An oral appliance can help some people with obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw and related tissues to help keep the airway open during sleep. It may be considered for certain patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or for people who have difficulty tolerating CPAP.
Is a sleep apnea oral appliance the same as a regular mouthguard?
No. A sleep apnea oral appliance is designed specifically to address airway obstruction during sleep. It should be properly evaluated and fitted based on the individual’s needs rather than using a standard sports or over-the-counter mouthguard.
What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?
Untreated sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and daytime functioning and is associated with health concerns such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. Seeking appropriate evaluation and treatment can help reduce the effects of repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.
Can lifestyle changes improve sleep apnea symptoms?
Depending on the individual, changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, managing allergies, and adjusting sleeping positions may help reduce symptoms. These measures may not be enough on their own for everyone with sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea treatment available at Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester?
Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester provides sleep apnea evaluations and can discuss oral appliance therapy when appropriate. If additional medical or surgical care is needed, coordination with other healthcare professionals may also be recommended.
How do I get started with sleep apnea treatment in Winchester, VA?
If snoring, daytime sleepiness, or other sleep-related symptoms are affecting daily life, call 540-773-0234 to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation at Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester.
