Did you know that millions of Americans have trouble sleeping due to a serious disorder? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) not only leaves you exhausted, but could even impact your overall health and quality of life with time. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about diagnosing sleep apnea, and the treatment options we use to address this common disorder.
The Causes of OSA
What causes a disorder like OSA to develop? The issue occurs when soft tissues in both your throat and the back of your mouth become very relaxed as you sleep, subsequently collapsing and blocking airflow. You stop breathing for a brief moment, until the brain wakes you after registering a drop in oxygen. You may not remember waking up, but this happens several times a night and interrupts your sleep cycle. Factors behind the disorder could include neck circumference, obesity, age (teens and older could be impacted, but sufferers are primarily 55 and older), excessive alcohol consumption, issues with the soft tissues in the throat and mouth, deviated septum, and allergy or sinus complications. As part of your treatment, we will need to assess the factors behind your poor rest!
Common Warning Signs
People with the disorder may experience episodes of waking in the night gasping for air or struggling to breathe, as well as dry mouth in the mornings, headaches during the day, and frequent daytime exhaustion. Other warning signs include moodiness, depression, trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school, and snoring at night. If you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, then contact our team today.
Long-Term Impacts
Without treatment, OSA could lead to poor quality of life due to exhaustion, and also strain your immune system to make illness more frequent. Over the long-term, this could also cause complications for your cardiovascular system, leading got high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even heart attack. Don’t ignore the symptoms, talk to our team right away!
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
With a home sleep test, we diagnosis you from the comfort of your own bed with accuracy and precisions, sending you home with a small device that sits at your bedside. Treatment could vary, but often involves the use of a comfortable and custom-made oral appliance, which is worn like a mouthguard as you sleep and helps reposition the jaw to ensure open airways. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating issues like OSA, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Celina, TX Dentist’s Office About Treating OSA
Our team wants to help you rest easier with a comfortable and convenient treatment option. To find out more about enjoying a better night’s rest, contact your Celina, TX, dentist, Dr. Newton, by calling (214) 851-0130.
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