The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea 

/0 Comments/in /by

If you think you might have sleep apnea, your dentist in Sugar Land, TX might be able to help. But what if you don’t know for sure if you actually have sleep apnea? Let’s go over the most commonly asked questions about sleep apnea.

The Most Commonly Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea

Here are the questions people frequently have about sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when your breathing involuntarily stops and starts or becomes very shallow while you’re sleeping. This is a potentially dangerous disorder because it lowers your oxygen levels and prevents you from getting enough air. This event can happen 20-30 times or more every hour while you’re sleeping.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused by something that is narrowing your airways. This could be hormonal changes, large tonsils, obesity, or because the muscles in the back of your throat become relaxed and collapse and block your airways.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows.

  • Daytime sleepiness.
  • Unusual breathing patterns.
  • Snoring.
  • Feeling exhausted when you first wake up.
  • Repeatedly waking up during the night.
  • Frequent mood swings.
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping (as witnessed by those around you)
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Memory loss.

How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Body?

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, could ultimately kill you. This is because sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing, which leads to a lack of oxygen in your body. It can also lead to hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. It also causes cognitive impairments which could lead to other issues that stem from being sleepy like a motor vehicle crash or the like.

What Can Your Dentist in Sugar Land, TX Do for Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea in Sugar Land, TX, your dentist can help. A dentist can fit you with a custom oral appliance to keep your jaw, tongue, etc. in a forward position which will keep your airways open making it easier for you to breathe. Your dentist might have other available solutions as well.

Do You Need to See a Dentist for Your Sleep Apnea?

If you need a dentist in Sugar Land, TX to diagnose and treat you for sleep apnea, or any other dental need you have, please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. First Class Dental works with world-class sleep specialists that can help you with your sleep apnea. We use the most advanced equipment and 3D imaging technology available to provide you with the highest quality care possible.

 

Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Oral Health?  

/0 Comments/in /by

Sleep apnea is a condition that may repeatedly cause you to stop breathing during sleep. Usually, your body will realize you’re not breathing, and it will jolt you awake so breathing can resume normally. 

There are several reasons why sleep apnea occurs, and if you have it, you may not even realize it. But your sleep won’t be restful, and you may feel tired or irritable the next day as a result. Sleep apnea can also affect your oral health in several serious ways. It’s important to get a diagnosis if you think you may have sleep apnea, and it’s equally important to keep regular appointments with your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, to help you get out ahead of any dental problems caused by this serious sleep disorder.

Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Teeth and Gums

Sleep apnea sometimes happens because the tissues of the mouth relax too much during sleep. As a result, your airway becomes more narrow, and it becomes more difficult to breathe. Sometimes, a person who suffers from sleep apnea may unknowingly clench their teeth in the night to prevent over-relaxation of the mouth tissues. Constantly clenching, grinding, or gritting your teeth can cause them to crack or wear down prematurely, resulting in toothaches and increased cavities.

Many who struggle with sleep apnea also sleep with their mouths open. This causes the tissues of the mouth to become overly dry. Dry mouth may lead to a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, which can contribute to gum disease.

Additionally, sleep apnea is sometimes linked to TMJ disorders that can cause jaw ache and migraines.

What Can Your Sugar Land, TX, Dentist Do?

Roughly 18 million people in America suffer from sleep apnea, and it’s often their dentist who notices the first signs. Teeth that are worn down, an unusual number of cavities, and redness in the back of the throat may all be indicators of sleep apnea. Your dentist can recommend further treatment, such as a sleep study, to help alleviate your symptoms. They may also fit you for a night guard that you can wear while sleeping.

If you live in or around Sugar Land, TX, and you suspect you may have sleep apnea, First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.