Do you snore? Do you often wake up gasping for air?
These can be the signs of an underlying sleep disorder. Your dentist can evaluate you to avoid future health problems. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.
Sleep apnea also impacts your ability to function at your best daily and to enjoy life fully. Treatment for sleep apnea will reduce symptoms and greatly minimize associated health risks.
Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often the results of soft tissue at the back of the throat blocking the airway. As you sleep, the muscles there can relax and collapse to form this blockage, and it may affect your ability to breathe.
When the airway becomes blocked, you may snore loudly or suddenly gasp for air to clear your throat. Chronic cases of sleep apnea will disrupt your normal breathing pattern. The strain this creates on the body is what raises your risk for other conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dentistry requires an extensive understanding of the mouth and its surrounding structure, including the airway, making your dentist qualified to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea. In addition to providing sleep apnea treatment, our dentist’s office in North Liberty, IA offers an array of general dental services for our patients.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Since sleep apnea manifests while you sleep, you might not be conscious enough to notice you have this disorder. However, you can experience signs during your waking hours that will help you tell if you suffer from sleep apnea. The most common sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Snoring
- Waking up gasping for air
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Increasing irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling tired or groggy during the day
Patients should be aware of common risk factors for sleep apnea, which include being overweight, being a smoker, having a larger neck circumference, and having a family history of sleep disorders. Males over the age of 45 are also at a higher risk if other factors are also present.
The first step towards a diagnosis and possible treatment is an evaluation with Dr. Tu and a sleep study if needed. Prompt treatment can mitigate other health risks.
Treating Sleep Apnea: What Are the Options?
Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Tu works with patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea or who are seeking an alternative after being intolerant of the CPAP.
Dr. Tu offers oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. It will help your airway remain open during sleep. This device works by pushing the lower jaw forward, stopping tissue from relaxing in a way that blocks the airway.
An oral appliance for sleep apnea will fit much like a sports mouthguard. Most patients tolerate them well and enjoy the freedom they provide during sleep compared to the CPAP.
The secure fit of a professional-grade oral appliance will ensure it does not slip out of place as you sleep. This can improve your sleep quality while also effectively treating sleep apnea.
Positive results from this sleep apnea treatment rely on routine compliance nightly. When you wear your oral appliance as your dentist directs, you can resolve sleep apnea symptoms and prevent other health risks.
How to Take Care of Your Oral Appliance
You can maximize the lifespan of your oral appliance when you take proper care of your oral health. Brush your teeth and floss on a regular basis to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth and prevent bacterial transfer to your appliance. Make sure you practice thorough oral hygiene at night before you wear your appliance.
To avoid misplacing your sleep appliance, put the appliance away in its case after each use. Designate a specific location to store this case, such as on a nightstand or a bathroom cabinet, and keep it in this same spot consistently.
You can clean the oral appliance with hand soap and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the appliance well under cold water. Avoid using hot water because the high temperature can warp the material of the appliance.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
One of the most immediate dangers of untreated sleep apnea is chronic fatigue. Because breathing interruptions prevent deep, restful sleep, individuals often wake up feeling tired, regardless of how many hours they spend in bed. This constant exhaustion affects concentration, memory, and productivity. It also increases the risk of accidents at work or while driving, as drowsiness slows reaction time and impairs judgment.
Untreated sleep apnea also significantly affects cardiovascular health. When breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, causing the body to release stress hormones that strain the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies consistently show a strong link between sleep apnea and serious heart-related conditions, making treatment essential for long-term wellness.
Metabolic health can also be compromised by untreated sleep apnea. Poor sleep disrupts the body’s regulation of blood sugar and hormones, which raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or worsening existing diabetes. Weight gain is another concern, as sleep deprivation can alter appetite hormones, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. This creates a cycle where obesity and sleep apnea reinforce each other.
Mental health is another area impacted by untreated sleep apnea. Chronic fatigue and poor sleep quality can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Lack of restorative rest also affects cognitive function, making it harder to focus, learn, or remember information. Over time, these challenges take a toll on both personal relationships and professional performance.
Another hidden danger of untreated sleep apnea is its effect on the immune system. Without proper sleep, the body struggles to fight off infections and recover from illness. This leaves individuals more vulnerable to frequent colds, slower healing, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases.
Quality of life also suffers greatly. Untreated sleep apnea often causes loud snoring and frequent awakenings, which can disrupt not only the patient’s sleep but also their partner’s. This strain on relationships, combined with the physical and mental toll, makes the condition particularly challenging for households.
Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQs
Sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions if you don’t seek treatment. Answering these commonly asked sleep apnea questions can help you learn more.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
While sleep apnea can often be managed effectively, it is not always completely curable. For many people, treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent complications. In cases where sleep apnea is caused by excess weight or certain lifestyle factors, losing weight or making other changes can help reduce the severity of the condition. However, long-term treatment may be necessary for people with structural issues in the airway or brain to manage symptoms and prevent health problems.
How long will my oral appliance last?
Dentists design oral appliances that treat sleep apnea with durability in mind. However, the device will wear down over time and require replacement. The appliance’s lifespan may vary depending on your specific case of dental wear and tear. The average dental patient may need to replace an old or damaged oral appliance every one or two years.
If I grind my teeth, can I treat sleep apnea with an oral appliance?
Patients who suffer from bruxism, a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, can treat mild cases of sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Many oral appliances can also treat bruxism because jaw repositioning can relieve the strain that causes a patient to grind their teeth. The durable material of the oral appliance can withstand the pressure exerted by bruxism.
Can sleep apnea lead to dental problems?
Sleep apnea can lead to a heightened risk of certain medical problems, but this disorder may also affect oral health. Patients with sleep apnea might sleep with their mouths open, which can dry out the mouth. A dry oral environment can increase the spread of bacteria in the mouth, putting the patient at a greater risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes, children can have sleep apnea, though it often manifests differently than adults. Pediatric sleep apnea is usually caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block the airway during sleep. Symptoms in children may include loud snoring, difficulty sleeping, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue or hyperactivity. Left untreated, it can affect a child’s growth, behavior, and cognitive function. If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician or sleep specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Can lifestyle changes bring relief for sleep apnea patients?
Oral appliance therapy is an effective way to treat obstructive sleep apnea. But some lifestyle changes can also alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise
- Limiting alcohol and sedatives
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding sleeping on your back
Consult with Your Dentist About Treating Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea, call our office at 319.284.4361 or reach our staff online. Schedule a dental consultation to learn how dental solutions can bring you relief from sleep apnea.