Sleep Apnea Columbia, MD

Our patients who suffer from sleep apnea usually snore very loudly in their sleep. Additionally, they may have woken themselves out of sleep due to snoring. Or, wake up feeling as if they never actually went to sleep in the first place. If you snore, this means that your airway is not always staying open while you sleep. Columbia Family Dentist has treatment options to potentially alleviate this issue altogether.

Sleep Apnea is a condition where the airway collapses and interrupts breathing during sleep. This can happen many times during the night, and it causes loud snoring and pauses in breathing.

People who have sleep apnea may also experience:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Problems with concentration
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Morning headaches and migraines

Sleep Apnea Treatment at our Columbia, MD Dental Office

Our dentists can help you address your sleep apnea issues. Our goal with our sleep apnea treatment plan is to address your symptoms and help you enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Treating the symptoms of sleep apnea is key for your better overall health and wellbeing. For example, you can minimize the risk of a sudden cardiac event or stroke from prolonged disease. The symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Drowsy during the day
  • Difficulty breathing while you sleep
  • Loud gasps of air while you sleep
  • Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
  • Dry mouth or sore throat
  • Headaches or sore jaw

Dental Treatment Options

For mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for patients who are intolerant of the CPAP, Dr. Sahil can create a custom sleep guard, or oral appliance. This device will help you maintain an open airway while you sleep. These night guards hold your jaw in an improved resting position to allow for better breathing.

Patients love our custom night guards because they are discreet, comfy, and portable versus the CPAP machine. We make our night guards using dental impressions of your own teeth, so you know that they will fit comfortably and securely throughout the night. It is also very common for sleep apnea patients to also suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding.

Bruxism is a condition in which the patient grinds and clenches their teeth during sleep. This can lead to wearing down of the teeth, gum recession, and headaches. Bruxism is not a serious condition for most people but it can be an indication of a more serious problem. It is important to get treatment for bruxism as soon as possible to prevent any long-term damage from occurring. The best way to treat bruxism is with a dental appliance, an occlusal splint or bite guard that prevents the grinding from happening at night.

Non-medical Treatment Options

You can also treat sleep apnea at home if you do not have life-threatening symptoms. However, always consult with your doctor before assuming your diagnosis. At-home treatments may include:

  • Weight loss and exercise
  • Stop consuming alcohol
  • Avoid taking sedatives and sleeping pills
  • Sleeping on your left side

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Can I cure sleep apnea naturally?

Yes, you can mitigate and cure sleep apnea at home without medical assistance. The most common natural method to get rid of sleep apnea is to lose weight. Most sleep apnea issues are due to obesity and fast weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight is a natural way to attempt to cure sleep apnea.

What is the root cause of sleep apnea?

The number one cause of sleep apnea is obesity and extreme excess weight. When someone has too much fatty tissue in their body airways may become easily blocked. This may cause breathing issues and sleep apnea in individuals.

What vitamins help with sleep apnea?

Vitamin C and E can help patients with sleep apnea reduce the symptoms. They can lower inflammation and help open up airways to allow you to breathe better at night.

How long are breathing pauses in sleep apnea?

Breathing pauses with sleep apnea can last anywhere from 10-30 seconds. This can happen up to 400 times per night.

Does sleep apnea occur every night?

Sleep apnea can affect patients’ sleep schedule on a nightly basis. Many patients with sleep apnea suffer from fatigue due to inconsistent sleep at night.

Schedule An Appointment and Dental Exam

A good night’s rest is invaluable to your mental and physical health. We understand that a sleep disorder or sleep apnea could be taking a great toll on your wellbeing. If you have sleep apnea or suffer from the common signs of a sleep disorder, let our team at Columbia Family Dentist help you.

Schedule an appointment online for a consultation with our doctors or call our office at 410-670-8211. As an experienced dentist in Columbia, Maryland, we will create a plan to restore your overall health and the quality of your sleep.