Do you constantly snore at night and then wake up not feeling rested? You may be struggling with sleep apnea. Learn how your dentist can help you get treatment and regain some quality of life.
Research shows that about 5-10% of adults worldwide have some form of sleep apnea: a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea can not only severely affect your ability to get a good night’s rest, but it can also start to wear on your quality of life.
Our team of sleep apnea experts at Dental Specialists of New Jersey has treatment options available for your sleep apnea to help you get a sufficient night’s sleep and improved health and well-being.
Explaining sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that interferes with your breathing while you sleep. This can happen due to a blockage in your airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or because your brain doesn’t properly control your breathing (central sleep apnea).
As a result of not being able to breathe, your reflexes trigger you to wake up to catch your breath. Even though this reflex is life-saving, it can prevent you from getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
Symptoms of sleep apnea can include some of the following:
- Daytime fatigue
- Snoring
- Changes in mood
- Having dry mouth or a sore throat
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Feeling restless
You can also wake up repeatedly in the night feeling like you’re choking or gasping for air.
Some risk factors for sleep apnea are obesity, having a heart condition, being over the age of 50, taking opioids or sleep medications, and living at a high altitude.
How sleep apnea is treated
Before treating your sleep apnea, we review your medical history and determine what type of sleep apnea you have: obstructive or central sleep apnea. We examine your jaw and your breathing, and you may have to undergo a sleep study.
After gathering the necessary information, together, we come up with a treatment plan that’s best for you.
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes
Exercising regularly, losing weight, and avoiding alcohol can improve sleep.
Custom oral appliance
Wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance can improve airflow while you sleep.
Surgery
We may recommend surgery to remove anything that’s blocking your airways.
During your consultation, we discuss the different methods with you and help determine which might work best for you and your health needs.
To learn more about how our team can help treat your sleep apnea, contact one of our office locations in Verona and Westfield, New Jersey, or use our online scheduler to request an appointment today.