Have your friends and family started to point out your snoring problem? Occasional snoring due to congestion may not be a significant concern, but if this happens on a nightly basis or you are keeping your family members awake at night, it could be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder that requires professional treatment.
If you are keeping your family members awake at night with your loud snoring, it might be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. With this common sleep disorder, as you sleep, your airways become obstructed by collapsed soft tissues, which impacts your breathing, interrupts your sleep cycle, and leaves you feeling exhausted during the day. Fortunately, our East Cooper Dental team can help by diagnosing and treating your snoring and sleep apnea concerns.
The Common Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
As the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat collapse, this cuts off airflow. You stop breathing briefly until the brain wakes, which can happen dozens of times an hour during the night. Because this occurs while you are not awake, it can be difficult to know there is a problem unless you know what symptoms to look out for. Loud, disruptive snoring is often a warning sign, as snoring is caused by limited airflow. Other warning signs include headaches, which happens as a result of decreased oxygen at night, daytime exhaustion and moodiness from lack of sleep, dry mouth due to breathing with your mouth open to get airflow, and issues with concentration and even short-term memory. If you struggle with symptoms like these, we urge you to contact our sleep science experts for a diagnosis and treatment.
Sleep Apnea
Your Risk Factor For Sleep Apnea
It is a common misconception that only older adults or unhealthy people can experience sleep apnea. However, the truth is that anyone can experience sleep apnea. There are some characteristics, such as being male, over the age of 50, or having a large neck, that can increase your risk of sleep apnea. As well, a family history of sleep apnea may increase your risk. Your risk of sleep apnea can increase as you age due to your muscles becoming weaker. Weight gain may also put you at risk of the disorder because it can obstruct your breathing. Other habits, like smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, can also increase your risk factor. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, reach out to our team for a consultation.
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
If you believe you have sleep apnea, prompt treatment is essential in protecting your health. Without treatment, sleep apnea leaves you exhausted and increases the risk of complications like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and even stroke and heart attack. Aside from the physical health complications, this disorder can also lead to a decline in your quality of life and mental health, as lack of adequate sleep can cause changes in your mood and ability to concentrate. But after we discuss possible symptoms and risk factors, we can offer treatment to help you rest easier and limit your risk of long-term complications.
Instead of common options like a CPAP machine, we will provide a more comfortable and effective alternative with an oral appliance. You wear the oral appliance, which resembles a mouthguard, while you sleep. Once in place, this gently shifts your jaw and tongue to keep airways open and free of collapse so you can start waking up feeling more relaxed and refreshed. The appliance is easy to use and clean, and of course, it can travel conveniently!
Sleep Better With East Cooper Dental!
Obstructive sleep apnea causes poor sleep and negative impacts on quality of life. Our team can help you obtain the deep, uninterrupted rest you need with our custom oral appliance. We invite you to schedule an appointment with East Cooper Dental in Mt. Pleasant, SC, by calling (843) 887-1165 at your earliest convenience.