Have you been told you snore loudly when you sleep? Maybe you’ve also woken up with a dry mouth or feel more tired than you should during the day. These symptoms may point to an diagnosis. Our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists can evaluate your condition as well as your specific risk factors to determine whether treatment is necessary.
Here’s what you need to know about sleep apnea treatment.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
When your breathing is interrupted repeatedly while sleeping, sleep apnea is likely the cause. On average, breathing problems occur for longer than 10 seconds at least 5 times per hour during sleep. Some sort of upper airway blockage, whether it’s the muscles, tongue, or other tissues, is largely responsible for these episodes.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Waking up with a dry mouth or headache
- Irritability and feeling exceptionally sleepy
- Very loud snoring
- Insomnia
- Instances of gasping for air during sleep or periods in which you stop breathing while sleeping (observed by another person)
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, please consult with both your general doctor and our dentists so we can develop a treatment plan for you.
Possible Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, like many other conditions, can affect certain people more than others. Sometimes, family history of sleep apnea can play a role in whether you develop the issue. A habit of smoking can also increase your risk overall.
Other risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight
- Large or thick neck
- Chronic nasal congestion problems
- Presence of a thyroid disorder
- Being postmenopausal
Treatment Options
A popular treatment solution for mild to moderate sleep apnea is an oral appliance known as a . The appliance is worn much like a mouth guard and works to bring the lower jaw and tongue forward thereby preventing it from falling backwards to block airflow. A custom-made device such as this can be provided to you as an option by our dentists.
Make an Appointment Today
Our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you work through your sleep apnea diagnosis alongside your general doctor. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment and start the discussion.