Sleep Apnea – The Way Your Dentist Can Help

Sleep apnea has been pretty common among people in United States but very few people could know that they had this condition. However, general awareness about this issue has let the people know about this condition. Now, people have complains about having symptoms and even risk factors which can lead to the development of this condition in the future. Generally, sleep clinic is thought to be a place where you can get treatment of sleep apnea but it is worth mentioning that your dentist can also help you in preventing and getting rid of sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition which is associated with disruption in breathing during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea, i.e. obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

The most common type of sleep apnea is the obstructive sleep apnea which involves blockage of airways due to expansion of soft tissues, leading to their collapse. Due to this collapse, oxygen is prevented from reaching the lungs.

The second type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea. This sleep apnea is associated with the brain’s failure to send message to the body to breathe. Although there is no disruption in the airway, the response of the body occurs as if the disruption has taken place.

No matter what the type of sleep apnea is, the end result occurs in the form of disruption in sleep patterns. People who do not get sleep apnea treated wake up with tiredness. If this condition is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to serious mental and physical health disorders.

Effects of sleep apnea on health

There are several physical and mental health conditions which can appear due to sleep apnea. According to Canadian Community Health Survey, people who suffer from sleep apnea are more prone to have high blood pressure. Other disorders which can appear due to sleep apnea include heart disease, depression, mania, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Moreover, this condition can raise the risk of diabetes as well. Moreover, there is a strong connection found between sleep apnea and obesity.

Your dentist can help

Although sleep apnea is a case of general health, your dentist can also treat this issue. After getting the problem diagnosed, your dentist will put forward the treatment options which you will need to pick from. Generally, your dentist will suggest which option works best for you. Typically, you will be suggested to use sleep apnea devices which are made to help you in keeping the airway open for smooth supply of oxygen to your lungs. These devices are effective in a manner that they make the airway stronger. Thus, you may not need the use of device after some time of its use.