All of us snore from time to time, but when such a habit continually occurs, it may be due to a more serious condition. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a nighttime disorder characterized by sudden pauses in your breathing when you sleep. This can lead to oxygen deficiency and can harm your brain and other parts of your body too. As a result, it’s important to seek out care as soon as you’re able. Dental practitioners can diagnose as well as provide treatment to help remedy this condition.
For more information on sleep apnea and sleep apnea appliances in Scarborough, contact our local dental clinic today!
Who Has Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can have sleep apnea, although it is more commonly seen in men compared to women. Those over forty years of age are also likely to deal with sleep apnea too. Other factors that can play a role in the development of sleep apnea include allergies, congestion, and family medical history.
If you’re unsure whether you have this condition, here are some things to look out for:
- Very loud snoring.
- A loss of stamina.
- Loss of concentration.
- Insomnia.
- Migraines.
- Since snoring means that you have a blockage in your airways, you’re struggling for air.
- Fatigue throughout the day.
To learn more about sleep apnea, consult a dentist near you. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about this condition.
The Types of Sleep Apnea
There are a few different types of sleep apnea that a person can suffer from.
The first is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when there are routine pauses in your breathing while you’re asleep because the small tissues in your throat close. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain cannot send proper signals to the rest of your body, specifically the muscles that are involved in helping you breathe. People with CSA will often wake up feeling moody and very tired.
The third type of sleep apnea is known as mixed sleep apnea (MSA). This is when a person is dealing with both OSA and CSA.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea
If sleep apnea is left unaddressed for an extended period, further health complications can arise, such as heart failure, a stroke, high blood pressure, and even depression.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to help alleviate this issue. You may wish to visit a doctor or a sleep specialist. They’ll be to identify how severe your sleep apnea is as well as recommend some strategies that would suit you best. Changing your diet, exercising more frequently, and stopping smoking are just a few things they may recommend.
You can also visit a dentist in Scarborough to receive custom-made devices that eliminate sleep apnea. These devices are also known as mandibular advancement devices. The term ‘mandibular’ refers to your mandible, otherwise known as your jaw. Such a device fits over your teeth and pushes your jaw forward into a healthier position. This opens up your airway, allowing you to breathe easier and sleep more deeply. It’s important that your device fits the dimensions of your mouth exactly so that it doesn’t slip out of place. This is done by taking a series of dental x-rays and impressions of your teeth and gums.
Are you interested in acquiring sleep apnea appliances near you? At Vista Dental, we’re here to help! Our staff is ready and willing to walk you through this treatment from start to finish so you know what to expect. Call or visit our website to book an appointment and gets started today!