Severe lack of sleep, issues drifting into a resting state, and excessive snoring. Sound familiar? You could be suffering from sleep apnea. This is a condition that might make it difficult and nearly impossible to comfortably breathe while you sleep. What may come as a slight annoyance or inconvenience at first can become more dangerous to your health over time. If you suspect that you have this persistent condition, it’s best to seek help as soon as possible. There are reputable dentists in the Anaheim, Buena Park, and Fullerton areas that specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea with a variety of different solutions to relieve your specific symptoms.
How Do I Know I Have Sleep Apnea?
Loud and consistent snoring may be normal to many individuals, so this alone isn’t a good indicator of whether or not you have sleep apnea. This is a condition that can also occur from excessive weight, enlarged tonsils, other obstructions like tumors, having an overbite, or smoking and drinking heavily. Even if you suspect that any of these factors could be the issue, it’s best to receive an official examination from your local dentist in Anaheim. They’ll know exactly what to look for and have specific tests for confirming your condition.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Most dentists may be able to confirm the reason for your sleep apnea after a simple exam depending on your symptoms, but they may also have you go through an actual sleep apnea test just to be sure. These tests require you to visit a sleep center for an overnight stay where experts will monitor and record your sleep habits and patterns. Oftentimes, having this extra bit of information can prove useful in finding the right treatment for you. Some dental offices even make it easy to begin your sleep apnea test online.
Common Symptoms
Some symptoms that experts will be able to document during your sleep apnea test include waking up more than a couple of times throughout the night, loud and excessive snoring, and the way that you might shuffle and move around in your sleep. While you’re awake, you may notice fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, and overall sleepiness. It’s also important to note that sleep apnea isn’t always followed by snoring. It’s entirely possible to suffer from this condition without making a single sound while you’re unconscious.
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A Complete List of Sleep Apnea Symptoms
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Ways To Treat Sleep Apnea
Other than feeling tired throughout the day, treating sleep apnea is essential to your health because lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure which can result in heart failure or stroke. That’s not even the complete list of dangers that stem from sleep apnea. Since many people experience this condition in many different ways, there are multiple methods of treating sleep apnea, all of which can be done at a trustworthy dental office near you.
Using A CPAP Machine
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a device that you can keep by your bedside that delivers a consistent flow of air at a certain pressure to ensure that you receive enough oxygen during your sleep. The tube can be secured to your nose, mouth, or both, and stays on throughout the night. While this treatment option is proven to be effective, not everyone likes the idea of wearing such a device in bed.
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Fun Fact! The first CPAP machine was originally invented for a dog. In the 70s, a man named Eliot Philipson sought out a way for dogs with respiratory issues to get the relief they need while they sleep. This is because certain breeds like boxers and bulldogs are often known for having trouble breathing properly. After seeing great success, the inventor moved on to improve the concept for human use. |
Laser Reduction Surgery
Patients that don’t want to rely on CPAP machines may be able to undergo surgery in opening up their airways. This is done through laser reduction surgery in which the dentist will decrease the amount of throat tissue to open up enough space for a decent amount of airflow. While this may sound like a scary procedure, this is done very carefully over the course of many visits to promote safe treatment.
Repositioning Parts of the Mouth
Sometimes, other parts of your mouth like the tongue or jaw can get in the way of proper airflow. In this case, some repositioning can be enough to help treat your sleep apnea. Oftentimes, treating a misaligned jaw can help guide the tongue back into place which will open up a clear pathway for air to travel through unrestricted. A well-equipped dental office that specializes in cosmetic dentistry will have the tools needed in order to carry out this procedure properly for the best results and a better night’s rest.
Sleep Apnea Services In Anaheim
With so many ways that sleep apnea can occur, it’s always best to visit a dental office that offers many services so that you can receive the treatment you need no matter the cause of your symptoms. Smile Brite Dental is the best place in Anaheim that also serves the Buena Park and Fullerton areas with the best treatment options available to give you some much-needed relief. Call the helpful staff anytime at 714-776-3535 to get started on treating your sleep apnea!
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