Many common conditions affect the quality of a person's sleep. Stress, lifestyle, sinus problems, and sleep apnea are among the causes of sleep problems. Sleep apnea is a condition that a dentist can treat. However, because other sleep problems tend to produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is a must.
This is a form of sleep disturbance where the individual briefly stops breathing at many times during the night. The stopping and starting process interferes with sleep. This condition may be caused by an excess of soft tissue in the throat or when the brain is not sending the correct signals to certain muscles that control breathing. Sometimes, both issues occur at the same time. An accurate diagnosis requires a professional medical evaluation.
As with any medical condition, several factors increase a person's risk of having this condition. Risk factors stem from age, gender, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Being male and overweight increases an individual's risk. Chronic nasal congestion can cause nighttime breathing problems. A handful of genetic factors, like a narrow windpipe or a relatively thick neck, also increase the risk. Lifestyle is also relevant, as smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, as does age.
Some symptoms are hard to detect by the individual sufferer. A romantic partner or family member may notice loud snoring or frequent sleep interruptions that suggest apnea as a problem. Loud snoring may be absent even though two or three other symptoms are present. Many symptoms are easy for the individual to identify:
Unfortunately, these symptoms can indicate multiple sleep problems. If these symptoms persist, they may indicate one of several sleep problems. If it is sleep apnea, this fortunately is something your dentist can often diagnose and treat without surgery.
The correct treatment approach depends on whether the cause is in the throat or in the brain, or a combination of both sources. Lifestyle changes can bring some relief where the patient is overweight, a smoker, or a heavy drinker. Diet, exercise, and smoking cessation programs can all eliminate factors that contribute to the problem.
Treating an underlying medical condition, like high blood pressure or chronic sinus problems, can also bring relief. In some cases of sleep apnea, a doctor or dentist may prescribe a CPAP machine or an oral appliance that facilitates easy breathing at night. Some patients may need surgery, either on their airways to open them up, or weight loss surgery.
Sleep problems stem from many lifestyle factors and health conditions. Sleep apnea is one of those problems that can develop because of genetics or lifestyle. The symptoms can be vague, but the condition is easy to diagnose and treat with professional help.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gardendentalartsny.com or call Garden Dental Arts at (718) 416-6367 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Brooklyn, NY.
Sleep apnea is a fairly common medical condition that affects millions of Americans every day and, in some cases, can have life-threatening side effects. To get the right kind of help for your apnea, it first helps to understand the causes of this sleep condition, what the different causes mean for treatment, and how you…
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition in which your breathing starts and stops repeatedly during sleep. It is fairly common and fortunately, it is also treatable. If you think you are dealing with sleep apnea, it is important to obtain a diagnosis and get treatment so you can avoid severe side effects of the…
Fixing a broken tooth right away is important. This dental damage may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to terrible consequences. Seeing a dentist sooner rather than later can provide immediate relief. If you want to find out the treatments for a broken tooth and its complications, here are…
Full mouth dental x-rays are a very important part of a routine visit to your dentist. We all know that visiting our dentist regularly will keep your oral health in the best shape possible. When you go to your dentist, they will clean and examine your mouth in its entirety. To have your entire mouth examined…
Part of preventative dental care is not only regularly maintaining your dental routine at home but also visiting your dentist twice a year. During this visit, they will look at the condition of your teeth and gums. Things they look out for are any sensitivities, bleeding, soft spots, or areas where bacteria are more likely…
The introduction of dental implants has provided a solution to tooth replacement that goes beyond mere function to address the core of personal well-being. Loss of teeth has an impact on a lot more than just dental health — it impacts chewing, talking ability, and confidence. This is where dental implants come into play as…