Snoring is something that many people do not take seriously, especially when our South Charlotte dentists like Dr. Emily Snapp, hear about this from patients during the initial consultation or a long-term patient who develops severe snoring. Some people even make jokes about it and laugh. However, snoring is often a sign of a serious health problem.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a type of sleeping disorder that can be very serious. The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. This condition causes one to start and stop breathing throughout the night. If sleep apnea is not treated, then serious health problems may result. In addition to losing a good night’s sleep, you may also develop stroke, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart attack and depression.
Sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and inhibit natural breathing. The breathing can stop anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds. When the brain senses the lower levels of oxygen in the blood, the person awakens and the airways reopen. In most cases, people reawake for a brief period of time, and they do not remember it.
If you have sleep apnea, then you will need to see experienced sleep apnea dentists. There are several options available for the treatment for snoring and sleep apnea.
Treatment For Snoring and Sleep Apnea
One of the treatments that experienced sleep apnea dentists is oral devices. Oral devices bring the jaw forward, which keeps the airway opened. A continuous positive airway pressure mask, which is also known as CPAP, is another treatment that is available for sleep apnea. This mask delivers oxygen to your throat while you are sleeping. The pressure help keeps the throat muscles and soft tissues opened.
If you visit a dentist office in South Charlotte NC like Park Cedar Dentistry, then you will also be given tips on things that can be done to prevent sleep apnea. Avoiding alcohol and losing weight are two of the things that you can do to manage sleep apnea at your home. Excess weight increases your risk of sleep apnea, and alcohol can cause your throat muscles to relax. You can also try different sleeping positions. The professionals at our dentist office will help you get a better sleep at night, knowing that you are healthier and safer while you are resting.
