Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder estimated to affect around 20 million adults in the United States. Although the condition is common, there are still many undiagnosed cases. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), up to 80 percent of people with sleep apnea do not go for a diagnosis.
Some people experience only mild symptoms of sleep apnea and therefore, do not see their symptoms as a sleep disorder. Many others do not understand the severe implications of untreated sleep apnea. Interestingly, sleep apnea is easy to treat using therapies such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
The following are reasons patients should visit the dentist for sleep apnea treatment:
Sleep apnea does not only cause irritating snoring sounds, but it also affects the quality of the person’s sleep. During an episode of sleep apnea, the collapsed tissues in the upper respiratory tract prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs. This triggers the brain to stir out of a certain stage of sleep to send signals to the respiratory muscles to try harder to open up the airways. This could happen several times in an hour.
As the brain gets stirred to sustain breathing, it is not sleeping well enough. The time the brain spends resting is required to initiate body repairs, save memories, and enhance cognitive functions. The distractions prevent the brain from finishing its work in the night, which is why many sleep apnea patients struggle to stay attentive during the day.
When patients get sleep apnea treatment, the brain will be able to perform its functions properly without interruptions. When it functions optimally, the body and mind will get required rest to keep the person awake and alert the following day.
Several studies published by the AASM show the association between untreated sleep apnea and an array of illnesses and medical problems. Such health problems include:
Treating sleep apnea lowers blood pressure and reduces the chances of cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmias, heart failures, and heart disease.
Estimates from AASM also show that people with moderate to severe sleep apnea are more prone to death, stroke, death from cancer, and are more likely to develop cancer. Sleep apnea does not affect sleep only; it affects a person’s health and life.
Sleep apnea often causes morning headaches. When breathing stops, the carbon dioxide levels in the blood increases, and oxygen levels drop. This causes the blood vessels to dilate. Dilation of the blood vessels located in the head causes vascular headaches. The headache typically disappears soon after waking up, but treating sleep apnea will ensure the person never has to deal with the headaches.
The harmful effects of untreated sleep apnea are many, and should not be taken lightly. If you detect any sign of sleep apnea or feel you are not sleeping well enough, visit the dentist for sleep evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://whiteflintfamilydental.com or call White Flint Family Dental at (301) 273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist can correct issues with a person's smile, such as gaps in the teeth, crowding, or mild misalignment, and improve the overall appearance. Establishing a regular routine to care for dental veneers can prolong the life and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the veneers.In many ways, caring for dental veneers…
Sleep apnea is a fairly common medical condition that affects millions of Americans every day and, in some cases, can have life-threatening side effects. To get the right kind of help for your apnea, it first helps to understand the causes of this sleep condition, what the different causes mean for treatment, and how you…
The term “cosmetic” causes many people to brush off the idea of visiting a cosmetic dentist to fix serious oral health problems. Oftentimes, this is the result of major misconceptions about possible treatments and the feeling that procedures are purely about fixing appearance. However, this form of dentistry usually goes far beyond aesthetic appeal. It…
A cosmetic dentist can help patients enhance a smile beyond what regular cleaning and maintenance contribute. This dental professional can also assist with the repair and replacement of teeth. The services provided depend on the patient's current oral health and long-term goals. Many people seek cosmetic dental work to solve problems that detract from the…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist can correct issues with a person's smile, such as gaps in the teeth, crowding, or mild misalignment, and improve the overall appearance. Establishing a regular routine to care for dental veneers can prolong the life and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the veneers.In many ways, caring for dental veneers…
Sleep apnea is a fairly common medical condition that affects millions of Americans every day and, in some cases, can have life-threatening side effects. To get the right kind of help for your apnea, it first helps to understand the causes of this sleep condition, what the different causes mean for treatment, and how you…