Sleep apnea is a serious condition where an individual stops breathing for short periods while they are asleep. The sleep apnea can occur from being overweight but is also an issue caused by an improperly shaped jaw. Because this condition can have serious and deadly side effects, it is important to receive treatment immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

You might not realize you have sleep apnea, especially if you do not sleep with a partner or have never been awoken by being unable to breathe. However, there are a couple of common symptoms that you might notice, including:

• Extremely loud snoring with intermittent pauses
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Waking up in the middle of the night
• Poor memory caused by a clouded or tired mind
• Decreased sex drive
• Frequent morning headaches
• Mild weight gain (10-20 lbs.)
• Increased risk for high blood pressure

What Is Sleep Apnea Treatment?

While some sleep apnea treatment can be quite invasive, the best dentists will choose methods that are non-invasive and comfortable for the patient. Sleep apnea can be treated in a couple of different ways, but the most common suggestions and methods are:

• Weight Loss
• Sleep Position Therapy
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP)
• Surgery
• Oral Appliance Therapy

Dentists frequently recommend oral appliance therapy. During this procedure, the dentist examines the shape of the mouth and determines a position where the patient will be able to breathe more easily, typically by stopping the obstruction of the airway.

Once a position has been discovered, the dentist and other office staff create a unique oral appliance that can be worn at night to keep the mouth and jaw in a comfortable yet reliable position. These custom made appliances will help shape the mouth to prevent future issues with sleep apnea, and patients are free to pursue more suggestions and methods while wearing one.

How to Receive Help for Sleep Apnea

If you think you might have sleep apnea, it is crucial to make an appointment with a dentist to have your jaw examined and a treatment plan created. Here at Scripps Poway Dental Care, we feature multiple professionals with years of experience who can help.