When to Visit the Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Suffering from sleep apnea can hinder your ability to sleep well. This condition can also affect other parts of your health. Fortunately, treatments are available to help you manage this illness and once again breathe correctly. Your dentist can recommend some methods to open your airway and relieve your discomfort. It is helpful to know the right time to schedule an appointment at the dentist’s office.

What it affects

People with sleep apnea stop and start breathing repeatedly throughout their sleep cycle. These interruptions can be frequent and may last several seconds. This condition occurs because of an obstructed airway, restricting proper airflow. As a result, the person can wake up several times throughout the night, preventing a sound night’s rest. People with this illness feel exhausted throughout the day and may experience irritability or a dry mouth. Untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Gasping for air

When gasping wakes up a person during the middle of sleeping, it could be a serious case of sleep apnea. Often, the bed partner will recognize this. It could occur multiple times throughout the night. It is a sign that the person’s airway is blocked and that they have stopped breathing for a few seconds or longer.

Always feeling tired

It is not out of the ordinary to feel extreme fatigue throughout the day. These episodes should be infrequent, however. When a person constantly struggles to stay awake, sleep apnea could be the cause. Ineffective breathing will lead to a poor night’s rest. Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Without this uninterrupted sleep, exhaustion can set in.

Snoring problems

Not only can it be annoying when a partner snores at night, but it can signal a serious health problem. Snoring is the sound of air vibrating against the person’s airway. It can occur due to congestion, a narrow airway or enlarge tissue. Snoring is often the No. 1 sign that a person has sleep apnea. Occasional snoring should not be a concern. If the person snores throughout every night, it is time to see a dentist for treatment.

Headaches

Many people have dealt with headaches. There can be many causes, including dehydration and stress. Sleep apnea may also play a role. By stopping and starting to breathe throughout the night, the person will not get enough air to the brain. This can cause headaches or migraines, especially first thing in the morning. A mouthguard or tongue depressor could solve this issue.

Do something about your sleep apnea

Instead of suffering through restless nights or struggling to stay awake all day, treat your breathing problems. Find a dentist near you that can help you combat sleep apnea. Your dentist will have the knowledge and training to treat your condition and prescribe so that you can have a good night’s rest once again. Make an appointment today so you can have the peace of mind that normal breathing patterns will return. You can also feel good knowing that you are improving your health and wellness.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

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