How Do I Tell If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea for adults is more than loud snoring. It is a dangerous medical condition that can lead to diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and various other health and wellness issues if untreated.

If you snore loudly enough to wake your partner or wake yourself up during the night gasping for air, you may be concerned that you have sleep apnea. Our practice specializes in sleep and airway dentistry. This blog will describe the symptoms to look for and explain how Dental Partners of Vero Beach can treat the disorder successfully.

Types of Sleep Apnea

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This type of sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked at sleep intervals. You may start and stop breathing at night because your airway is restricted or your tongue has fallen backward to block it.
• Central Sleep Apnea: This severe condition occurs when the brain does not send the proper breathing signals to the lungs.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing at night
• Episodes of gasping and choking

Lesser-known symptoms include:

• Daytime fatigue could be severe enough to cause trouble operating machinery or staying awake
• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood changes
• Tooth decay
• Bad breath

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Patients over age 40 are at a greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who are overweight or diagnosed with obesity may be vulnerable due to extra tissue in the neck and throat. Men are more prone to sleep apnea than women.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Orthodontic Treatment

We offer Airway Orthodontic treatments for sleep apnea and airway issues, including Invisalign® and palatal expanders.

Laser Procedures

We offer Fotona® NightLase® treatment for sleep apnea. This treatment tightens the back of the mouth and throat to reduce airway obstruction, which can lead to sleep apnea and snoring.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

These comfortable oral devices hold the jaw gently forward, preventing airway issues during sleep.

CPAP Therapy

Medical providers most commonly prescribe CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The machine blows a stream of air into the lungs using a mask that many patients find uncomfortable. Some patients have difficulty tolerating CPAP treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Why does sleep apnea cause health problems?

Obstructive sleep apnea restricts the oxygen received by your body and brain. Sudden reductions in oxygen put the body under stress and raise risks of health and wellness ailments. 

How does sleep apnea affect quality of life?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you know how deeply your symptoms can interfere with your quality of life. If you are not getting enough sleep, you will be irritable, moody, and tired during the day. Your relationships with friends and family may suffer, and your work performance may dip.

Call Dental Partners of Vero Beach

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don't wait to ask for help. This disorder has cumulative health effects and needs treatment as soon as possible. Please call our Vero Beach, FL, office at 772-569-4118 to schedule your appointment today for a consultation.