If you have sleep apnea, you might snore loudly and sometimes wake up because of it. You might also feel like you haven’t slept well at all. Snoring happens because your airway might not stay open while you sleep. At Columbia Family Dentist, we offer treatments that could help with this problem.
Sleep apnea is a condition where your airway gets blocked and stops your breathing during sleep. This can happen many times throughout the night, causing loud snoring and breaks in breathing.
People who have sleep apnea may also experience:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Problems with concentration
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Depression
- Morning headaches and migraines
Sleep Apnea Treatment at our Columbia, MD Dental Office
Our dentists can help with your sleep apnea issues. Our goal is to ease your symptoms and help you get a good night’s sleep. Treating sleep apnea is important for your overall health. For example, it can lower your risk of serious issues like heart problems or stroke.
Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Loud snoring
- Drowsy during the day
- Difficulty breathing while you sleep
- Loud gasps of air while you sleep
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Headaches or sore jaw
Dental Treatment Options
For mild to moderate sleep apnea, or if you can’t use a CPAP machine, Dr. Goyal can create a custom sleep guard or oral appliance. This device keeps your airway open while you sleep by holding your jaw in a better position for breathing.
Patients like our custom night guards because they are discreet, comfortable, and easy to carry compared to a CPAP machine. We make these guards using molds of your teeth to ensure they fit well and stay in place. Many people with sleep apnea also grind their teeth at night, a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is when you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.
It can wear down your teeth, cause gum problems, and lead to headaches. While bruxism isn’t usually serious, it can signal other issues. You should treat it early to avoid long-term damage. A dental appliance like an occlusal splint or bite guard can help prevent grinding at night.
Non-medical Treatment Options
You can also treat sleep apnea at home if you do not have life-threatening symptoms. However, always consult with your doctor before assuming your diagnosis. At-home treatments may include:
- Weight loss and exercise
- Stop consuming alcohol
- Avoid taking sedatives and sleeping pills
- Sleeping on your left side
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can I cure sleep apnea naturally?
Yes, you can reduce or even cure mild sleep apnea at home without seeing a doctor. The most common natural method to stop sleep apnea is to lose weight. Many sleep apnea problems are linked to being overweight or gaining weight quickly. Keeping a healthy weight can be a natural way to try to solve sleep apnea.
What is the root cause of sleep apnea?
The main cause of sleep apnea is being overweight. When someone has too much body fat, it can block the airways. This can lead to breathing problems and sleep apnea.
What vitamins help with sleep apnea?
Vitamin C and E can help patients with sleep apnea reduce their symptoms. These vitamins can lower inflammation, and help open the airway to allow you to breathe better at night.
How long are breathing pauses in sleep apnea?
Breathing pauses with sleep apnea can last anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds. This can happen up to 400 times per night.
Does sleep apnea occur every night?
Sleep apnea can affect patients’ sleep schedule on a nightly basis. Many patients with sleep apnea suffer from fatigue due to inconsistent sleep at night.
Schedule An Appointment and Dental Exam
A good night’s rest is invaluable to your mental and physical health. We understand that a sleep disorder or sleep apnea could be taking a great toll on your wellbeing. If you have sleep apnea or suffer from the common signs of a sleep disorder, let our team at Columbia Family Dentist help you.
Schedule an appointment online for a consultation with our doctors or call our office at 410-670-8211. As an experienced dentist in Columbia, Maryland, Dr. Goyal will create a plan to restore your overall health and the quality of your sleep.