What Is Sleep Apnea
Vancouver, WA
 Having enough sleep is refreshing and highly recommended. It allows your body to have enough rest and helps your brain to function well and lower risks of getting serious diseases. However, sometimes you are not able to sleep well due to various reasons. When your breathing pauses and starts while sleeping, it leads to a disorder called sleep apnea.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Your brain works with the muscles involved in breathing by sending signals. When it does not do so, it leads to central sleep apnea. In this case, you fail to breathe for a while, making you wake up gasping for air. This may lead to insomnia.
The Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
There are various conditions that may increase the possibility of suffering from sleep apnea. Too much weight increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea because fats are deposited around the airway which can prevent breathing. Having a thick neck makes your airways narrower so your breathing may be obstructed.
Adenoids and tonsils also may enlarge and narrow the airway, especially in children. Your gender is also a contributing factor as men have a higher risk of suffering from this disorder. As we age, we can experience additional challenges; this one is not an exception - your age can also cause sleep apnea.
This disorder is also genetic, if there is a history of it in your family then there are high chances you may inherit sleep apnea. Other health conditions such as high blood pressure are also causes of this sleeping disorder.
Effects of Sleep Apnea
Medical problems such as blood pressure and diabetes may be caused by this disorder. Your productivity during the day is adversely affected because you feel tired due to interrupted sleep. If you are suffering from this condition, you might develop complications with some types of medications.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Treatment of sleep apnea depends on how severe your symptoms are and the cause of this disorder. The doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, surgery, a Mandibular Advanced Device (MAD), a tongue-retaining mouthpiece, or medication.
Mandibular Advanced Devices
These appliances look like mouthguards used for sports, but the difference is that it fits over the lower and upper teeth. A dentist uses a hinge to connect both trays at the center. When the patient is asleep, MADs hold their tongue and jaw forward, preventing soft tissue in the throat from blocking the airway. We can adjust these appliances for enhanced effectiveness and comfort.
Tongue-Retaining Mouthpieces
Sleep apnea patients have restricted jaw flexibility, and these appliances can help you correct this condition. Tongue-retaining mouthpieces keep the tongue from sliding back in the patient’s airway as they sleep. Since it fits well around the tongue, you don’t have to worry about the tongue restricting airflow. Before acquiring either of these appliances, it’s important to ensure you consult a dental expert to ensure you get the most suitable one for you.
We Offer Sleep Apnea Treatment at Our Clinic
Contact us today at Alder Dental at (360) 831-0831 for an exam to determine if you have sleep apnea. We can help you get the treatment you need. |
