Sleep Apnea

Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Sleep Apnea

At Miami Valley Smiles, your health and happiness matter to us. Sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep, can leave you feeling exhausted and lacking in energy due to poor oxygen intake. If you or your partner frequently snore loudly, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. However, there’s no need to fret – your trusted Mason dentist offers effective solutions to address this issue often without the need for cumbersome CPAP machines.

Our team understands the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being. We provide personalized treatments tailored to your needs to ensure you can enjoy restful nights and wake up feeling refreshed. With our simple and convenient solutions for sleep apnea, you can regain control of your sleep patterns and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a prevalent yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder, that manifests in three forms: central, obstructive, and mixed. Central sleep apnea stems from irregular brain signals during sleep, while obstructive sleep apnea occurs when throat tissues collapse, obstructing airflow. Mixed sleep apnea combines elements of both. While central and mixed sleep apnea requires specialized medical attention, obstructive sleep apnea can be addressed by your dentist.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax and collapse during sleep, blocking the airway and preventing proper breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combo of the two. Central and mixed sleep apnea requires treatment from a medical professional, sleep specialist, or neurologist, but your Miami Valley dentist can help treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Understanding the root causes of obstructive sleep apnea is crucial for effective management. While it predominantly affects men over 40, women and children can also be affected, albeit less frequently. Various physical factors, such as obesity, large neck circumference, or a narrow airway, can heighten the risk of developing this condition.

Additionally, certain lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, sedative use, and dietary habits like spicy foods, further contribute to its onset. Identifying and addressing these factors early can significantly improve the management and treatment outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea.

Risk Factors With Sleep Apnea

Numerous factors contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. While it predominantly affects middle-aged men, women and children are not exempt. Physical attributes such as obesity, narrow airways, and large neck circumferences increase susceptibility. Lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption and smoking exacerbate the condition, along with genetic predispositions and dietary habits.

Understanding the Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can have devastating, even deadly consequences if left untreated. Sleep apnea causes low blood oxygen levels from a lack of oxygen night after night, which contributes to the development of serious systemic diseases and a downward spiral of the immune system.

Over time without treatment, sleep apnea can cause serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Sleep apnea sufferers are also more likely to fall asleep randomly throughout the day and are at a high risk of auto accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel.

What are The Symptoms?

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications and even fatal consequences. This condition disrupts the normal breathing pattern during sleep, causing low blood oxygen levels night after night. This chronic deprivation of oxygen can trigger the development of serious systemic diseases and weaken the immune system over time.

Without proper intervention, sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Moreover, individuals with untreated sleep apnea are prone to experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, increasing the likelihood of falling asleep unexpectedly during daily activities. This poses a serious risk of automobile accidents, jeopardizing not only their safety but also the safety of others on the road.

It’s crucial to recognize the potential ramifications of untreated sleep apnea and take proactive steps to address it to safeguard both physical health and overall well-being.

Signs & Symptoms

Some of the most common signs, symptoms, and characteristics of sleep apnea include:

• Chronic snoring
• Choking or gasping for air
• Sleeping and breathing disruptions
• Frequent urination
• Nightmares or insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Morning dry mouth
• Depression and anxiety

Treatment Options and Health Consequences

Traditionally, the “gold standard” for sleep apnea treatment is the CPAP machine. CPAPs are highly effective when used properly, but they are not very user-friendly so most patients end up abandoning the treatment because it prevents them from finding restful sleep – kind of defeats the purpose, right?

Thankfully, your Mason dentist has a wonderful alternative to oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom oral appliance that’s worn like a mouthguard during sleep. The device is designed to fit your mouth and the individual needs to gently shift the lower jaw forward. This slight shift in the jaw effectively prevents the airway from collapsing, allowing you to breathe comfortably throughout the night.

If any of the above sounds familiar, or you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have tried a CPAP without success, you should seriously consider oral appliance therapy. This simple, non-invasive solution could dramatically change your quality of sleep, your quality of life during the day, and could even prevent a major health problem like a heart attack down the road.

Health Consequences of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can have devastating, even deadly consequences if left untreated. Sleep Apnea leads to low blood oxygen levels, contributing to the development of serious systemic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of auto accidents due to daytime sleepiness, jeopardizing both personal safety and public well-being.

• Heart Disease: 23 times more likely to have a heart attack
• Brain: 3 times more likely to have a stroke
• Weight Gain & Obesity: Hormonal changes influence overeating
• Diabetes: Causes insulin resistance and 3 times more likely to develop diabetes
• Auto Accidents: Greater risk for falling asleep or tired, inattentive driving
• Teeth: Nighttime grinding causes excessive wear, prone to fracture and breakage
• TMJ: Nighttime grinding causes a breakdown in the jaw joint

Are You Struggling With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

By addressing sleep apnea promptly, individuals can safeguard their health, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. Don’t let sleep apnea compromise your vitality – contact Miami Valley Smiles today to embark on a journey toward better sleep and optimal health.

At Miami Valley Smiles in Mason, Ohio, we’re dedicated to helping you. We offer a complimentary evaluation, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide you with the best care possible. For more information or to book an appointment, contact call us directly.