SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
Restful sleep is crucial for good overall health. Unfortunately, sleep apnea sufferers have trouble sleeping through the night. In addition, many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition. As a result, sleep apnea may cause you to wake up tired and grumpy. Scotts Valley sleep apnea dentists can recognize symptoms and recommend treatment. Today on the blog, we share how our Scotts Valley dentists help you stop snoring to get better rest and live a better life.
What is sleep apnea?
Most people have obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the muscles in the airway relax and block air during sleep. Because your body needs oxygen, you may wake up late at night as a result of the brain being disturbed. When you can’t sleep, you’ll toss and turn, leaving you tired during the day.
What are sleep apnea symptoms?
Most people with sleep apnea probably have no idea their condition is causing them problems while they sleep. Their significant other usually becomes aware of their symptoms, such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and restlessness. On the other hand, sleep apnea can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to focus. In many patient cases, a sore throat, severe headache, or dry mouth occurs in the morning, making it challenging to get the day started.
Who’s at risk for sleep apnea conditions?
Sleep apnea sufferers can be of any age, sex, or weight. However, it most commonly occurs more in males than females and obese patients. Our Scotts Valley dentists who treat sleep apnea explain that overweight people may have excess fat deposits around the airway that can collapse while sleeping and cause an airway blockage. In addition, sleep apnea can compound health issues related to your weight, so it’s best to consume a healthy balanced diet and lose weight to help your body breathe better while you sleep.
How is sleep apnea harmful to my overall health?
Since your body systems connect, one health concern can impact another body part. So, if your body struggles to breathe while sleeping, you could experience other health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, obtaining therapy is essential for getting the rest your body needs and protecting your overall health.
How can our Scotts Valley dentists help you stop snoring?
Only a trained specialist at a sleep center can provide a formal sleep apnea diagnosis, but our Los Gatos dentists can provide a sleep apnea screening to see if you are at risk of having an airway disorder, and may recommend an official sleep study to confirm a diagnosis. Our dentists may conduct an oral examination and take X-rays of the oral cavity and throat to get a better overall picture of your condition.
Below are two treatment types available for mild to severe sleep apnea symptoms:
- CPAP Machine – A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is the standard treatment for sleep apnea and can help you get a good night’s rest. Many individuals, however, feel that face-wrapping devices are cumbersome, unpleasant, and noisy, especially for their sleeping partner.
- Oral Appliance – An oral appliance is a custom mouthguard that adjusts the mandible, your lower jaw, forward and slightly down to improve airflow. Those with moderate to mild obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from using an oral device. However, even though you may buy a generic mouthguard at the store, your results will pale compared to a custom dental appliance.
Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
Sleep apnea consequences may be devastating to a person’s health and quality of life, especially if they ignore the problem. However, seeking immediate treatment can help you reclaim restful nights, focus better the next day, experience less irritability, and increase your energy naturally. So, if you identify with any of the above symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our sleep apnea dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. Please call (831) 438-4411 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
