If you have sleep apnea, you might snore loudly and sometimes wake up because of it. You might also feel like you haven’t slept well at all. Snoring happens because your airway might not stay open while you sleep. At Columbia Family Dentist, we offer treatments that could help with this problem.
Sleep apnea is a condition where your airway gets blocked and stops your breathing during sleep. This can happen many times throughout the night, causing loud snoring and breaks 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 with your sleep apnea issues. Our goal is to ease your symptoms and help you get a good night’s sleep. Treating sleep apnea is important for your overall health. For example, it can lower your risk of serious issues like heart problems or stroke.
Sleep apnea symptoms 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 if you can’t use a CPAP machine, Dr. Goyal can create a custom sleep guard or oral appliance. This device keeps your airway open while you sleep by holding your jaw in a better position for breathing.
Patients like our custom night guards because they are discreet, comfortable, and easy to carry compared to a CPAP machine. We make these guards using molds of your teeth to ensure they fit well and stay in place. Many people with sleep apnea also grind their teeth at night, a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.
It can wear down your teeth, cause gum problems, and lead to headaches. While bruxism isn’t usually serious, it can signal other issues. You should treat it early to avoid long-term damage. A dental appliance like an occlusal splint or bite guard can help prevent grinding 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 reduce or even cure mild sleep apnea at home without seeing a doctor. The most common natural method to stop sleep apnea is to lose weight. Many sleep apnea problems are linked to being overweight or gaining weight quickly. Keeping a healthy weight can be a natural way to try to solve sleep apnea.
What Is the Root Cause of Sleep Apnea?
The main cause of sleep apnea is being overweight. Extra body fat, especially around the neck, can put pressure on the airway. This pressure makes it harder for air to pass through, causing breathing problems during sleep.
However, other factors can also contribute to sleep apnea, including genetics, age, and certain health conditions. For example, people with large tonsils or a small jaw may be more likely to experience airway blockages.
What Vitamins Help With Sleep Apnea?
Vitamins C and E can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. These vitamins have antioxidant properties that can lower inflammation in the body. Inflammation often contributes to airway problems, so reducing it can make breathing easier at night.
Vitamin C supports healthy blood vessels and improves oxygen flow. Vitamin E helps protect tissues in the airway. While vitamins aren’t a cure for sleep apnea, they can be part of a broader treatment plan to improve your breathing.
How Long Are Breathing Pauses in Sleep Apnea?
Breathing pauses during sleep apnea typically last between 10 and 30 seconds. In some cases, they can be even longer. These pauses can happen repeatedly throughout the night, sometimes up to 400 times.
Your brain sends signals to wake up just enough to restart breathing each time you stop breathing. This disrupts your sleep, even if you don’t remember waking up. Over time, these constant interruptions can lead to extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other health problems.
Does Sleep Apnea Occur Every Night?
Yes, sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep every night. People with sleep apnea often experience repeated breathing pauses that prevent them from getting a deep and restful sleep. This nightly pattern of poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling tired during the day.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to more serious health issues. Issues like high blood pressure and heart problems. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage sleep apnea and improve the quality of your nightly rest.
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, Dr. Goyal will create a plan to restore your overall health and the quality of your sleep.