Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and Dental Exams

A good night’s sleep is vital to your overall health. When you sleep, your body and mind have a chance to heal as your body makes countless physiological repairs on a cellular level. Consequently, high-quality sleep is important to proper immune system function. Sleep apnea and snoring can interrupt your sleep cycles, leading to mental and physical health deterioration.

Do You Wake Up Tired? Or in the Middle of the Night Choking or Short of Breath?

Those who suffer from sleep apnea may snore, toss and turn, or stop breathing while they are sleeping. Positional sleep apnea causes air to be blocked at the base of the throat which reduces the level of oxygen that gets to the brain. This lack of oxygen can cause you to feel tired even after sleeping for seven or eight hours. Studies show that people suffering from sleep apnea often have decreased cognition and performance at work, as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
 

Does Everyone who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?

While people who snore loudly often have OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, this is not always the case. Some people who snore suffer from partial airway obstruction, while others, those considered to have OSA, suffer complete airway obstruction. Nevertheless, snoring may interrupt your sleep (or the person who is being kept awake by your snoring may interrupt your sleep). Either way, treating sleep apnea will also treat snoring – as those who snore loudly and often are suffering from at least partial airway obstruction and will benefit from treatment.

How Sleep Dental Care in Highland Park, IL Can Help

We are proud to conduct sleep apnea screenings as well as offer a variety of treatment options here at Chicago Beautiful Smiles. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea by your doctor or dentist, it is important to discuss all the various treatment options and which one may be right for you.
While there are different treatments designed to relieve sleep apnea, oral sleep appliances, which are formed and fitted by a dental professional who specializes in sleep dental care in Highland Park, IL, are often a less disruptive and a more comfortable solution that CPAP machines. Call for more information today.