Have you ever woken abruptly at night because you could not breathe? Has your partner woken you up or informed you of irregular patterns of breathing while you sleep? Chances are, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which shallow breaths or pauses in breathing occur frequently, resulting in loud snoring, choking, snorting, and holding your breath for periods of time multiple times a night. It not only affects your night’s sleep, but the quality of sleep as well, as individuals experiencing it often report feeling tired or sluggish during the day. Fortunately, the team at Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, Texas has you covered.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea can be Obstructive (OSA), in which the airflow is interrupted due to a blockage, Central (CSA) in which regular breathing and airflow simply stop for periods of time, or some combination of the two. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from the condition, 80% of which are moderate and severe OSA cases that have not been diagnosed. Further, any age group can experience OSA, from young infants and toddlers to the elderly and everyone in-between.
Signs That You May be Experiencing OSA or CSA
While you may or may not be sure if you are experiencing abnormal breathing while you sleep, there are signs and indicators that you may be one of the 80% of individuals affected. One of the most common indicators of sleep apnea include loud snoring, especially in the case of OSA. Other factors may include tiredness or fatigue during the day, waking up with a dry mouth, chronic morning headaches, mood swings and irritability, and high blood pressure. Any of the aforementioned factors or combination of factors can contribute to the quality of your sleep, and it is important that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms that you schedule an appointment with our office to learn about your options.
Additionally, certain behaviors or characteristics put you at risk of experiencing OSA or CSA, including excessive alcohol consumption, experiencing asthma, smoking tobacco, being overweight, and more. To learn more about sleep apnea and how we can assist you, call our Celina, Texas office.
What We Can Do to Help
At Celina Family Dentistry, your oral health is our paramount concern, and we aim to assist you in preserving it. We offer services ranging from mouthpieces, breathing devices, and other methods to ensure you are taken care of. The effects of OSA or CSA can be harmful to not only your oral health but your well-being overall. Contact our Celina, Texas office at (214) 851-0130 to learn more about the effects of sleep apnea and your options for improving your situation. The sooner you act, the better off your health will be, and we are always happy to ensure your smile is taken care of.
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