DENTAL SERVICES
Have you ever been told that you snore loudly or gasp for air in the middle of the night? You may be suffering from what’s known as sleep apnea. This condition causes a person’s breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. It can result in the individual experiencing daytime sleepiness, irritability, or waking up with dry mouth or a sore throat.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a very common condition, affecting between 2% to 9% of adults in the United States. It causes abnormal breathing while a person is asleep due to their airways getting restricted. Common reasons people may experience sleep apnea include the following:
- Bad sleeping positions
- Obesity
- Family history
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Nasal congestion
Types of Sleep Apnea
Did you know people can experience three kinds of sleep apnea? Knowing what type you’re suffering from is important for understanding the best treatment plan for you. Below are the kinds of sleep apnea people can have:
- Obstructive sleep apnea – Occurs when the airway becomes physically blocked, causing temporary lapses in breathing
- Central sleep apnea – Occurs when the brain doesn’t signal the muscles used for respiration, causing slower and shallower breathing
- Mixed sleep apnea – A combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea
How Treatment Can Help
Lifestyle changes, custom devices, and surgery can help treat sleep apnea, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you’re overweight, losing weight can eliminate the extra fat deposits in your neck that block the upper airway when you sleep. Sometimes, custom mouthpieces can hold the jaw and tongue in a way to prevent breathing from getting restricted. There’s also the option of getting surgery to remove extra tissue in the airway.
Are You Looking for a Solution for Sleep Apnea in Delray Beach, FL?
Are you looking for the best treatment for your sleep apnea? The R&R Dentistry team is ready to help come up with the best solution based on your unique needs. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions you’d like us to answer!
