Sleep Apnea
The obstructive type of sleep apnea in The Woodlands, TX, causes you to stop breathing several times a night temporarily. The breathing issue stems from the muscles of your tongue and throat relaxing and blocking air from reaching your lungs. If you have central sleep apnea, it means that your brain sends faulty signals to the muscles responsible for continuous breathing.
While either type of sleep apnea can be serious, the good news is that you can receive treatment from Dr. Erika Cummings, your local dentist. Many patients prefer this approach over having to schedule a medical appointment.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Since obstructive and central sleep apnea causes the same types of symptoms, it can be challenging to know which type you have without professional intervention. The most typical symptoms associated with both types of sleep apnea include:
- Difficulty with concentration
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling sleepy during the day
- Gasping for air in your sleep
- Insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both
- Snoring loud enough to disturb your bed partner
- Waking up with a dry mouth and/or headache
Sleep apnea can cause you to develop chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart issues, or high blood pressure. Be sure to schedule an appointment with Sterling Ridge Cosmetic & Family Dentistry right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea Prescribed by Your Dentist
For many years, the gold standard for treating sleep apnea was to have patients wear a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping. The problem with this approach is that many people find CPAP machines cumbersome or are unable to wear them for another reason. CPAP machines consist of a mask that fits over your face, a tube known as a cannula that blows air into your lungs, and a motor.
If you have only mild to moderate sleep apnea, you can opt to wear a dental device instead of hooking yourself up to a CPAP machine. The most common device is called a Mandibular Advancement Device, which is like mouth guards worn by athletes. Another option is a Tongue Retraining Device, which holds your tongue in place to allow your airways to remain open.
Please reach out with additional questions or to schedule an appointment.
Sources
Sleep Apnea (Obstructive) | American Dental Association (ada.org)
