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.
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may be just what you are looking for. It is just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but has certain qualities that make it more tolerable for teenagers.It is usually preferable to wait to delay teeth straightening treatment until…
It is easy to understand why Invisalign® for teens is such a popular teeth-straightening treatment. It removes the need for traditional braces that can be cumbersome, conspicuous, and sometimes painful. Parents and teens alike should find out all they can about Invisalign® treatment before making the decision to proceed.If you are not sure what to…
Pediatric dentists care for children from infancy to adolescence. With specialized training and education in this age range, they teach young patients and their parents how to prevent oral health issues. They also diagnose cavities and gum disease in their early stages and administer treatments tailored to young patients. When these dental professionals establish good…
Invisalign® for teens refers to the clear plastic device worn to straighten teeth as an alternative to metal braces. Many people opt to wear these types of devices when they are in their teenage years, but they can be worn by adults as well. Invisalign has the added benefits of being removable and less noticeable…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may…
It is easy to understand why Invisalign® for teens is such a popular teeth-straightening treatment.…
Routine visits every six months also allow pediatric dentists to monitor changes in a child's…
Invisalign® for teens refers to the clear plastic device worn to straighten teeth as an…
Invisalign® for teens is an invisible straightening tool for your children's teeth. Invisalign uses custom,…
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported ones are attached to the jawbone, which prevents bone loss and…