SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT IN LAUREL, MD
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses and struggling to breathe while asleep. This may present itself as loud snoring or sudden gasps of air in the middle of sleep, which may wake you up periodically throughout the night. Most patients know they have sleep apnea because their roommates or sleeping partners tell them that they snore. The muscles of the throat and mouth can relax during sleep to the point where they fall back into the upper airway. This creates a blockage that restricts your breathing and leads to sleep apnea. Laurel Smiles Dental Care provides sleep apnea treatment in Laurel, MD.
THE RISKS OF UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea isn’t something that you want to leave untreated. Untreated sleep apnea can cause severe health problems. To start, you’re waking up multiple times throughout the night. This leaves you fatigued and contributes to memory fog. You may think that you got a full night of sleep, when in reality sleep apnea jolted you out of sleep multiple times. It’s harder for you to think, concentrate, and retain new memories.
Untreated sleep apnea also causes problems with your breathing. If you have asthma, sleep apnea aggravates the condition and makes it more severe. Further complications can occur with asthma and your breathing in general. Sleep apnea causes you to completely stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Because of this, you also have low blood oxygen levels and the body may not be getting all of the oxygen it needs.
Some of the most severe impacts occur with your circulatory system. Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure and high levels of harmful cholesterol. You’re more likely to develop multiple other problems with your heart. You’re at higher risk of heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure, strokes, and irregular heartbeat.
SLEEP APNEA FAQS
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?
If your roommate or sleeping partner has complained about your consistent loud snoring, there is a good chance you are suffering from sleep apnea. You may also notice that you struggle with daytime sleepiness due to a lack of a good night’s rest. You will need a sleep study for a proper diagnosis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?
While loud snoring is the primary symptom of sleep apnea, patients may also experience a variety of other symptoms including abrupt awakenings, episodes of gasping for air, and difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep.
If left untreated, these symptoms can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and car accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel. If you notice the signs of sleep apnea, make sure to report these issues to your doctor and dentist near you immediately so that we can begin finding a treatment for you.
DOES A DENTIST OFFER SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT IN LAUREL, MD?
In situations of mild to moderate sleep apnea, a night guard may be deemed the appropriate treatment. A night guard is very similar to a sports mouthguard because it is created to fit comfortably into your mouth while you sleep. This helps keep the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing, which enables the airway to stay open during sleep.
Patients enjoy our custom-fit night guards because they are a more portable and compact sleep apnea treatment option than regular CPAP machines. We are happy to provide custom-fit night guards for sleep apnea treatment at Laurel Smiles Dental Care. Our night guards are made from dental impressions of your own smile, to ensure optimal comfort throughout the night.
WHAT IS THE BEST POSITION TO SLEEP IF YOU HAVE SLEEP APNEA?
Doctors suggest that patients with sleep apnea sleep on their side, preferably on their right. This will help increase their airflow.
WHAT FOODS CAUSE SLEEP APNEA?
Foods high in dairy increase patients’ risk of sleep apnea. Foods like milk, cheese, and bananas all increase the body’s mucus production. This blocks airways, triggering or making sleep apnea worse.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, contact our office today at 301-200-1315 or schedule an appointment online. Do not wait to seek help for your sleep apnea, especially if it affects your quality of life. Our team understands the importance of regaining your peace of mind. We look forward to helping you regain a good night’s rest.
FAQ’s
What is sleep apnea and how does it affect your health?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly pauses and resumes during sleep, often without you realizing it. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the airway becomes blocked. It can cause loud snoring, poor sleep, daytime tiredness, and trouble focusing. If left untreated, sleep apnea may raise the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
How does a dentist help manage sleep apnea?
A dentist trained in this area can recognize signs linked to obstructive sleep apnea and guide you toward safe and effective treatment options. In many cases, they provide a custom oral appliance designed to support a more open airway during sleep. Dentists also work closely with sleep physicians to make sure care is safe, accurate, and tailored to the patient’s needs.
What does oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea involve?
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device worn during sleep, much like a mouthguard. The appliance gently shifts the lower jaw forward to help maintain an open airway and reduce breathing interruptions during sleep. This can improve airflow, reduce snoring, and lower the number of breathing interruptions in some patients. It is small, portable, and often easier to use than CPAP for the right candidate.
Who is a good candidate for dental sleep apnea treatment?
For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, chronic snoring, or trouble tolerating CPAP, oral appliance therapy can be an effective treatment option. A sleep study is needed to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment should be guided by both a sleep physician and a dentist trained in this area. The right treatment depends on how severe the condition is and the patient’s overall health.
What symptoms should I look for if I think I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, feeling tired during the day, and trouble concentrating. Some people also wake up feeling unrested even after a full night in bed. During a dental exam, a dentist may notice signs such as tooth wear, jaw or bite patterns, or other features that suggest a higher risk for airway problems during sleep.
Is a dental device better than a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
CPAP is often the first recommendation for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it is highly effective when used as directed. However, some patients find CPAP hard to tolerate. For certain mild to moderate cases, a custom oral appliance can be a comfortable and effective alternative. The right choice depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, and how well the patient can stick with treatment.
How do I find the best sleep apnea treatment near me?
Look for a dentist with experience in dental sleep medicine who offers custom oral appliance therapy and works with a sleep physician. Careful evaluation, proper diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to you can lead to better long-term results. Choosing a provider who takes a team-based approach can help you get safer, more effective care and better sleep over time.