Snoring is common for nearly half of all Americans. In fact, about a quarter of the people who snore are chronic or habitual snorers according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Certain factors cause snoring, including seasonal colds, allergies that can temporarily obstruct your airway, and sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can result from underlying health issues like weight challenges, and can increase your risk of other health complications if left untreated. It also interferes with your ability to get a good night’s sleep!
Our prosthodontist, Dr. Ramin Mahallati, and our team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry offer sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment options at our office in Beverly Hills, California.
So, what does sleep apnea have to do with your oral health? While it’s technically a sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes you to momentarily stop breathing while you’re asleep. The pauses are so subtle that most people don’t know they’re happening unless a sleep partner notices the disruptions.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. When you have OSA, the muscles in your throat relax while you’re asleep, which temporarily blocks your airway and interferes with your breathing. This also causes the loud snoring, as well as the lingering symptoms you might feel the next morning (even if you think you got a good night’s sleep).
Some of the most common symptoms of OSA include:
In some cases, sleep apnea develops when there’s a disconnect between the brain’s signals to the muscles that control breathing, known as central sleep apnea (CSA). In rare cases, OSA may develop into CSA.
While chronic snoring is one of the primary signs of sleep apnea, it’s also possible to have sleep apnea without snoring. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you notice abnormal or out-of-the-ordinary symptoms.
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for your short-term and long-term health and well-being.
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but some of the risk factors include:
The interruptions to your breathing are usually so brief that you might not realize they’re happening. Prolonged sleep apnea can pose potentially serious risks to your health, such as heart disease and metabolic issues, so it’s important not to ignore your symptoms.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, your OSA may be treatable with a dental appliance or procedure to ensure your airway remains open while you sleep.
Dr. Mahallati and our team offer comprehensive and personalized OSA treatment to help you manage your symptoms and maintain good oral and general health.
For more information about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.
