It could be an indicator that you suffer from sleep apnea but just haven’t been diagnosed with this condition yet. Let’s look at how it can go beyond dental and oral health and impact your overall health in both mind and body.
Snoring at night can take a terrible toll on your health. After all, you might not just wake up feeling extremely thirsty from having a dry mouth. It could be an indicator that you suffer from sleep apnea but just haven’t been diagnosed with this condition yet. Let’s look at how it can go beyond dental and oral health and impact your overall health in both mind and body.
What Sleep Apnea Is
Let’s begin by defining what this condition even is. In a nutshell, apnea just means you stop breathing. This can be potentially fatal, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you think you have it, you must speak to your doctor about it, pronto. They can give you advice on what to do next, especially if you need a breathing machine or CPAP to help you sleep better. Because of the breathing problems, your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, which is a major health concern.
Three Different Types
The three types of apnea are known as obstructive, central, and complex. Each of them has a different possible cause, although there are treatments available to help alleviate the effects of this health issue. You know you have obstructive apnea when your throat muscles get too relaxed, allowing the tongue to slip down there and create a dangerous blockage. Central apnea comes from the brain sending unreliable signals to the muscles that control breathing, which means constant interruptions in airflow. Finally, complex apnea is a combination of the two that can damage your tongue, throat, teeth, mouth, and jaws. T longer medical term for this condition is “treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.”
Potential Causes
Your airway could be too small. You might also be overweight, which can put too much pressure on your mouth, tongue, and throat. Hormones, genetics, premature birth, and neuromuscular problems can all contribute to the devastating effects of sleep apnea on your well-being.
Ideas for Treatment
Never fear – this condition is treatable! Switching to a healthier lifestyle can make an enormous difference. Breathing devices, night guards, physiotherapy, and surgery can all help as well!
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!