Sleep apnea occurs when a person's breathing is disrupted while sleeping. This condition occurs because extra tissues in the throat and mouth block the airway when a person tries to breathe, causing pauses or shallow breaths. While sometimes mild snoring can indicate sleep apnea, there are often more severe symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem. Those with severe sleep apnea can stop breathing hundreds of times per night. Not only does this strain your body, but it can also result in complications like high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. It can also negatively impact your quality of life by leaving you feeling tired and groggy during the day. If you experience these symptoms regularly, you should see our dentist, Wesley Yemoto DDS, for an evaluation. Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as a unique oral device that comfortably shifts the jaw and keeps airways open while sleeping. Other cases, however, may require more advanced treatment. Our dentist can help you determine the best course of action for you.
The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Some people with sleep apnea may not even realize they have it. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you should speak with your dentist or doctor. Some of the most common symptoms include loud snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep. You will likely wake up tired and not refreshed even after a full night’s sleep. You may also experience persistent headaches in the morning. Other symptoms include dry mouth, sore throat, morning breath, insomnia, irritability, and fatigue. In severe cases of sleep apnea, patients will even have high blood pressure and diabetes.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Some of the treatments often used to treat patients with mild to moderate cases are oral appliances or mouth guards, CPAP machines, and behavioral therapy techniques. Your dentist may recommend one of these options and refer you to a specialist in sleep medicine for your case if sleep apnea is severe.
Mouth guards are a standard method for treating snoring. They position the jaw to promote an open airway and prevent the tongue from obstructing it. This reduces snoring and promotes a more restful night’s sleep for the patient.
Patients can also improve their sleep quality through behavioral changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol. These lifestyle changes can sometimes be enough to reduce sleep apnea symptoms and allow patients to stop using a CPAP machine or other forms of treatment.
There are various options to treat sleep apnea, and our dentist can help you choose the proper treatment. Get in touch with Wesley Yemoto, DDS, at 4860 Cherry Ave # F, San Jose, CA 95118, or call (408) 266-9957 to learn more about sleep apnea treatments.