Do you or your partner snore, or wake up feeling tired? You may want to evaluate your risk of sleep apnea. At Sweet Tooth Dentistry, we provide sleep apnea treatment in Towson, MD.
Sleep apnea is categorized as a severe sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is disrupted during sleep. Patients with sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing throughout their sleep cycle. Pauses in breath can lead to a lack of oxygen to the major organs in the body.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when there is a blockage in the airway, usually caused by collapsed soft tissue in the back of the throat.
In addition to addressing common dental concerns, our dental office in Towson, Maryland, treats sleeping disorders.
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can affect your health and quality of life. Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Night sweats
Are snoring and sleep apnea the same?
No, snoring and sleep apnea are not the same, but they are related. Snoring is the sound made when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat while you sleep. It happens when your airway is partially blocked. Many people snore, and it can be loud or soft. Snoring alone does not always mean there is a serious problem, but it can be annoying for others.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that can be more serious. People with sleep apnea experience pauses in their breathing while they sleep. Patients with and without sleep apnea can snore.
Am I At Risk For Sleep Apnea?
Although anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain types of patients are at a higher risk. Our dental care team at Welinsky Dental Care can assess your risk for sleep apnea and work with you to coordinate the care you need.
- Male
- Large neck circumference
- Being overweight
- A family history of sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
- Diabetic
Finding the most appropriate treatment is key to restoring a better quality of life. Our team may work in coordination with a sleep specialist to coordinate the testing and care you may need.
The Consequences of Sleep Apnea
While you may think that snoring is harmless, untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe consequences. What occurs when you have sleep apnea, is the soft tissue collapsing in the back of the throat. This causes you to actually stop breathing for brief periods of time throughout the night. Your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, leading to low blood oxygen levels and other issues.
Sleep is also crucial for many different life functions. Because sleep helps us retain memories, memory loss is common in those with sleep apnea. Not getting enough sleep makes you generally foggy and you may struggle in work or school because of the inability to think clearly. You may get irritable and depressed or fall asleep in inconvenient situations.
Sleep apnea is also linked to heart problems and diabetes. Obesity and sleep apnea often go hand in hand, and it’s likely for someone to have both conditions. Sleep apnea is linked to having an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and irregular heart rhythm. Patients are also more likely to have high levels of bad cholesterol.
If you have asthma or breathing problems, these are exacerbated by sleep apnea. Your immune system is lowered because you aren’t resting well, so you’re more vulnerable to infections. With all of these factors combined, people who have sleep apnea have a higher risk of death as well.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Traditionally, sleep apnea is treated using a CPAP machine. This machine blows air into a mask that you wear over your nose and sometimes your mouth. This air helps keep your airway open while you sleep. However, some patients are intolerant to the CPAP machine or just seek alternative treatment methods.
Oral sleep appliance therapy is an effective alternative to the CPAP machine. Our dentist will coordinate with a specialist to determine if this treatment, similar to a sports mouthguard, is right for your needs. We recommend oral appliances for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
You can get a sleep splint in just two visits. At your first visit, we will take dental impressions of your teeth. We will send these impressions to a dental lab. Then, you will return to our office once the appliance is complete for a fitting.
An oral sleep appliance is designed using your measurements and needs in mind to ensure a custom fit. Because the splint is custom-made, it can help prevent the soft tissue in the back of the throat from collapsing. This helps you breathe normally during sleep.
Why Choose Sleep Splints over a CPAP?
Many people find sleep splints more comfortable than wearing a CPAP mask. A sleep splint is a small device that fits inside your mouth and helps keep your jaw forward, making breathing easier.
CPAP machines can make noise when they blow air, which some people find bothersome. Sleep splints are quiet since they don’t have a motor or airflow. Oral appliances are also portable. They are small enough that you can take them anywhere without needing a power source.
Sleep splints require less maintenance than CPAP machines. You just need to clean them regularly. CPAP machines need more care, like changing filters and hoses. Some people may experience discomfort or skin irritation from wearing a CPAP mask. Sleep splints can be a good alternative for those who want to avoid these issues.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Treating sleep apnea is crucial to restoring your quality of life and reducing your risk of serious health concerns. To schedule a consultation with our team at Welisnsky Dental Care, call 410-449-7656. You can also request an appointment online. If you have questions about sleep apnea treatment, please let us know. We’ll be glad to help you.