Breathing Easy: How Dentists Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea

If you didn’t know already, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be managed with help from our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists. It’s true, especially if you have been diagnosed with a mild to moderate version. After a thorough assessment, we can work to prevent breathing interruptions during the night with personalized sleep apnea treatment tailored only to you.

Keep reading to learn how sleep apnea gets treated inside our office as well as some background on this disorder.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common condition in which an individual’s breathing temporarily stops and starts again while sleeping. In some cases, this can be serious and put the individual at increased risk for health complications like high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.

Constantly waking due to inconsistent breathing can lead to overall fatigue even after a full night’s rest. This can mean feeling sluggish and generally unproductive throughout the day. For many, these symptoms can disrupt daily life and negatively affect personal relationships.

If you regularly have low energy despite a good sleep schedule, ask our dentists about a sleep apnea diagnosis. We can develop a custom-made oral appliance for you to wear and refer you to a sleep apnea specialist if needed.

Common Sleep Apnea Warning Signs

Since there are multiple types of sleep apnea, symptoms can often overlap and complicate a precise diagnosis. However, there are several indicators related to sleep apnea that you, or a family member, should pay attention to and keep in mind.

Ask our dentists if you:

• Snore loudly
• Have been told by another person that you frequently stop breathing during sleep or experience episodes of teeth grinding or clenching
• Gasp for air when sleeping
• Wake up with a dry mouth or headache
• Have a hard time staying asleep or staying awake
• Feel irritable after you’ve woken up

Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have and its severity, treatment at our Plantation, FL, dental office can differ. Sometimes lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms while other times, a special oral device needs to be made to prevent throat blockage.

Analyzing Your Likelihood of Sleep Apnea

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing obstructive sleep apnea. It’s worth noting that while these are common, having just one of these risk factors does not mean you have the condition. Our dentists will need to conduct a sleep apnea screening and may even consult with your primary care doctor if needed.

That said, one significant factor is obesity, as excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fat deposits in the throat, narrowing the airway. Other common risk factors include:

• Family history of sleep apnea
• Thicker neck circumference
• Smoking
• Alcohol or sedative use
• Being male
• Age (more common in middle-aged and older individuals)

Additionally, certain anatomical features like a narrow throat or enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to OSA. Recognizing these risk factors is essential for early identification and management of sleep apnea.

We Can Help You Sleep Healthier

All hope is not lost with a sleep apnea diagnosis. Fortunately, our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you navigate treatment alongside a family doctor. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.